Stacey King was an American professional basketball player and broadcaster who won three consecutive NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls from 1991 to 1993 . He gained public attention as a first-team All-American at the University of Oklahoma and later as the Emmy-winning, fan-favorite television voice of the Bulls, known for his infectious catchphrases and humor.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Ronald Stacey King
Age: 59 (born January 29, 1967 – died June 6, 2026)
Nationality: American
Occupation: Professional Basketball Player, Broadcaster
Known For: Three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls; Emmy-winning Bulls television analyst
Marital Status: Not confirmed
Children: Not confirmed
Early Life and Background
King was born on January 29, 1967, in Lawton, Oklahoma . He attended Lawton High School before playing college basketball at the University of Oklahoma from 1985 to 1989 under legendary head coach Billy Tubbs . During the 1988 NCAA Tournament, King helped lead the Sooners to the national championship game, scoring 17 points with seven rebounds and two blocks against Danny Manning and the Kansas Jayhawks .
Career and Achievements
College Career: As a senior in the 1988-89 season, King was named a first-team All-American, Big 8 Player of the Year, and the Sporting News Player of the Year . He led the Big Eight in scoring (26 points per game) and blocks (2.3) while averaging 10.1 rebounds on 52.3% shooting . His jersey was retired by the University of Oklahoma on January 19, 2008 .
NBA Playing Career: The Chicago Bulls selected King with the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft . He appeared in all 82 games as a rookie, averaging 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds, earning a spot on the 1990 NBA All-Rookie Second Team . King played alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen as a reserve forward/center on the Bulls’ first three championship teams (1991, 1992, 1993) . He was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 1993-94 season in exchange for Luc Longley . King also had stints with the Miami Heat (1995-96), Boston Celtics (1997), and Dallas Mavericks (1997) . Over eight NBA seasons, he averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 382 career games .
Broadcasting Career: After his playing days, King spent two decades as a television analyst for Bulls broadcasts, beginning in the 2006-07 season . He worked alongside play-by-play announcers Neil Funk and later Adam Amin, becoming beloved for his catchphrases such as “Gimme the hot sauce!” and “Too big, too strong, too fast” . He also hosted a popular podcast called “Gimme the Hot Sauce” .
Major Event or Controversy
No major controversies are associated with Stacey King.
Why He Is In the News
King is in the news following his death on June 6, 2026, at age 59 . The Chicago Bulls announced his passing, with chairman Jerry Reinsdorf praising him as “a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history” . The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed . Tributes have poured in from across the NBA, with players and broadcasters remembering King’s infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for the game.
Conclusion
Stacey King was a 3-time NBA champion who never quite lived up to his college billing as a pro, but whose second act as a broadcaster made him an icon in Chicago. He brought joy, energy, and authenticity to Bulls broadcasts for nearly two decades, ensuring his voice and his catchphrases will echo in the United Center long after his passing.
