Alexandra Sasha McHale Dies: Houston Rockets Coach Kevin McHale's Daughter Dies at 23, NBA Community Offers Heartfelt Condolences

Sports Illustrated confirms that 23-year-old Alexandra "Sasha" McHale, the daughter of popular Houston Rockets basketball coach Kevin McHale, died on Saturday (Nov. 24). The cause of the young Minnesota Duluth student's death has yet to be revealed, although Alexandra was recently forced to take a leave of absence from college following an unexpected illness. She was then hospitalized in Minneapolis for treatment of the auto-immune disease lupus. Her father promptly took a leave of absence from the NBA stating "personal family matters" - there is no set time for coach McHale's return to the Rockets following the devastating news of his daughter's passing.

Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander recently offered his condolences in this public statement:

"I extend my deepest condolences to Kevin and Lynn for the loss of their beautiful daughter, Sasha, on Saturday afternoon. Kevin and Lynn are loving and dedicated parents who will need our continued support throughout this very difficult time. Our entire organization is mourning the McHale family's loss and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers."

Alexandra McHale inherited her father's love for basketball - she played varsity for Totino-Grace High School for three years, and made honorable mention all-state in 2008 (the same year the team won the Class 3A state title). McHale flaunted no 32 throughout her high school playing career - the same number that her Hall of Fame dad wore while he played for the Boston Celtics in the 1980s.

Following his stint with the Celtics, Kevin McHale went on to coach the Minnesota Timberwolves for several years before joining on with the Rockets. Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor also offered his sympathies:

"On behalf of the entire Minnesota Timberwolves organization, we are extremely saddened to learn about the passing of Sasha. While Kevin was with our organization, we all watched Sasha grow up, and become an outstanding young woman. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin, Lynn and the entire McHale family."

According to Alexandra's high school basketball coach Shannon Hartinger, "She was an outstanding basketball player and the life of the locker room. She was a joy to be around. You could tell she loved to play basketball."

Kelvin Sampson has been the interim coach for the Rockets since McHale's Nov. 10 leave.

Thoughts and condolences go out to the McHales and NBA community for their untimely and unfortunate loss.