Pearl Washington: Magic Johnson, Joe Biden and more pay tribute to Syracuse legend NCAA.com

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PRESENTED BY The basketball world lost a true legend on Wednesday. At 52, Dwayne “Pearl” Washington passed away due to a brain tumor. Shortly after the news of Washington’s passing broke, many stars in sports, entertainment and politics paid their respects to the former Syracuse star. Rest In Peace to the best ball handler I've ever seen in my lifetime, Dwayne "Pearl" Washington. — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) I just wanna say RIP to my hero and former classmate Dwayne Pearl Washington one of the best to ever play the game — Chris Rock (@chrisrock) God bless the Pearl, Dwayne Washington. #31 hangs in the rafters at my alma mater , and in our hearts. — Vice President Biden (@VP) Crushed / heartbroken as PEARL was one of my all time favorites / had such flair /thnx 4 the memories RIP — Dick Vitale (@DickieV) Today, we lost one of our own. The entire Miami HEAT family mourns the loss Dwayne "Pearl" Washington. — Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) Pearl Washington was the nicest person I've ever met in my life! We lost an all time GREAT. You will always be with us — Gerry McNamara (@Coach_McNamara) There was no better guy and there’s nobody who has meant more to our basketball program than Dwayne Washington. — Jim Boeheim (@therealboeheim) You will forever be in our hearts. We love you. — Jim Boeheim (@therealboeheim) Washington played at Syracuse from 1983-1986, helping the Orange to an NCAA tournament appearence in each of his three seasons. The point guard was known for his incredible ball-handling, as well as his versatility; he racked up 1,490 points (ranks 25th in Syracuse history), 631 assists (ranks fourth) and 220 steals (ranks fifth). The New Jersey Nets selected Washington with the 13th overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. Washington played for both the Nets and the Miami Heat during his three-year NBA career.

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