Armen Gilliam, a muscular power forward who stared at UNLV before playing 13 seasons in the NBA, passed away Tuesday night in at age 47.

According to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office, Gilliam collapsed and died while playing a pick-up basketball game in Pittsburgh, the city where he grew up.

Nicknamed "The Hammer," Gilliam led UNLV to the Final Four in 1987, thanks to the 23.2 points per game he averaged. He then became the second overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.

Gilliam never matched his college success as a pro, but he still averaged 13.7 points and 6.9 rebounds a game during NBA career that had him play for six teams.

His college coach, Jerry Tarkanian, was saddened by Gilliam's passing, adding, "'In my ratings, I had [former UNLV Star] Larry Johnson No. 1 and Armen No. 2. He was such a great person. Everybody loved him and he loved everybody,'' Tarkanian said. ''He was such a gentle person and such a caring guy. I am all shook up over it. I think the world of him and am just really shocked.''

According to Tarkanian, Gilliam died of a heart attack. So far there has been no official cause for his death.

You can learn more about Gilliam below.

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