Michael Brooks, famed La Salle basketball star who ranks as the 28th leading scorer in the history of the NCAA, died in Switzerland on Aug. 22, but his legacy as an Explorer lives on.

The legendary forward is hailed for scoring 2,628 points and 1,372 rebounds during his indomitable career at La Salle, earning him the honor of College Player of the Year in 1980. His skill ushered La Salle into the NCAA tournaments of 1978 and 1980, both garnering MVP honors. In 1980, he was chosen to captain the U.S. Olympic team, but the U.S. boycott of the Moscow Games prevented him from playing.

His accomplishments landed him in the 1985 La Salle Hall of Athletes and in 1986, the Big 5 Hall of Fame.

Diagnosed with aplastic anemia in 2011, Brooks’ body rejected a recent bone-marrow transplant, causing him to suffer multiple strokes in a Switzerland hospital, according to his sister.

Brooks played six seasons in the NBA before permanently moving to Europe’ where he worked as a coach with the Blonay Basketball Club. He is survived by his five children who, along with the La Salle community, will ensure that his memory is never forgotten.