Hank Gathers’ mother, Lucille Gathers, raised four sons alone after Eric Sr. left the family.
Highlights
- Lucille Gathers played a crucial role in Hank Gathers’ life, raising him and his siblings alone after his father left and keeping them focused despite hardships in Philadelphia.
- Hank Gathers was a devoted father to his son, Aaron Crump, and dreamed of providing him with a better future through his basketball success.
- After Hank Gathers’ tragic death, his family, led by his mother Lucille, sought justice, resulting in legal settlements and continued efforts to preserve his legacy.
Born on February 11, 1967, in Philadelphia, Gathers developed his basketball skills at Dobbins Technical High School.
He led his team to the Philadelphia Public League championship in 1985, playing alongside future basketball stars Bo Kimble and Doug Overton.
Gathers began his collegiate career at USC before transferring to Loyola Marymount with teammate Bo Kimble.
At LMU, he flourished under coach Paul Westhead’s fast-paced system.
As a senior in 1989-90, Gathers continued to dominate the court despite facing health challenges.
He played a crucial role in LMU’s record-breaking offense, which averaged 122.4 points per game, a Division I record that still stands.
Tragically, Gathers collapsed during a WCC tournament semifinal game against Portland on March 4, 1990.
Despite immediate medical attention, he passed away that evening at age 23 due to a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Lucille Gathers Worked Tirelessly To Protect Her Children From Their Tough Environment
Behind Gathers’ athletic achievements stood a close-knit family led by his mother, Lucille Gathers, and father, Eric Gathers Sr.
The family faced significant challenges in Philadelphia’s Raymond Rosen Projects, but Lucille’s strength and determination helped keep her children focused on positive pursuits.
Lucille Gathers emerged as a powerful force in her son’s life after Eric Sr. left when Hank was nine years old.
She raised four boys in one of Philadelphia’s toughest neighborhoods, working tirelessly to keep them away from the dangers of their environment.
Father Dave Hagan, a neighborhood priest, played a crucial role in expanding the Gathers boys’ horizons by showing them life beyond the projects.
Hank himself became a father, having a son named Aaron Crump.
Though he never married Aaron’s mother, Marva Crump, Gathers remained dedicated to his son’s well-being and often spoke of his plans to provide a better life for Aaron once he reached the NBA.
Following Gathers’ untimely death, his family, particularly his mother Lucille, sought answers and accountability through legal channels.
The resulting lawsuits led to settlements with various parties, including a $1.4 million settlement from Loyola Marymount University and $1 million from his treating cardiologist.
His mother, Lucille, continues to honor his memory, attending the unveiling of his statue at LMU in 2020, ensuring that future generations remember the remarkable young man who touched so many lives both on and off the basketball court.
Additional Information
- During one outstanding performance, Gathers scored 48 points and grabbed 13 rebounds while being defended by future NBA stars Stanley Roberts and Shaquille O’Neal in a close overtime loss to LSU.
- His brother Charles once found a cassette tape where Hank had recorded himself interviewing friends and family members, showing his interest in becoming a sportscaster.
- His life story was adapted into a 1992 TV movie called “Final Shot: The Hank Gathers Story,” with actor Victor Love portraying him, and he was also featured in ESPN’s “30 for 30” series in a film titled “Guru of Go” about Coach Westhead.
