RIP to Karen Taylor aka Big Momma and Stanley's mother

[DBC10]

https://mobile.twitter.com/ebosshoops/status/627691794877157376

Incredibly sad. I didn't even know she might've been ill. RIP and condolences to Stanley.

[zeebneeb]

I feel badly for Stanley. She was his life, and he just made it. Condolences to him and his family. This is really going to affect him for a really long time.

[313 Professor]

Oh my goodness. This is too sad smh... The timing. R.I.P. and hope Stan and his family stay strong through this. Damn

[MotownMadness]

I feel like him and Dre are going to become real close. Almost like a big brother type.

[Liqourish]

Very sad for Stanley and his family. May she rest in peace.

[TPA]

Such a sad loss when a kid loses his mother. I say kid because even though he is technically a man, young men, in many instances, are not fully equipped mentally to assume adult responsibility without a pillar to lean on. We all need that mentor. That influence. That voice of reason, when the realities of adulthood are learned, and counseling is the best coping mechanism.
Could be a very big motivator. Stanley seems like the type of guy who will use this loss this to push harder. It may also strengthen his bond with SVG, who seems to be a great mentor and player relationship guy.
Such a loss, and for that, the right words cannot be spoken. Hopefully, from this tragedy, positives can be found, and StanJ can become a stronger young man.

[Kilo]

Was she ill?

[WeNeverLeftAZ]

She has had cancer for awhile.

Stanley was dealing with this his entire freshman season at Arizona and never once wanted sympathy or use it as an excuse when he went into a slump and people were getting on him and knocking him down and down. Great kid and Karen was an amazing woman beloved in the basketball community in SoCal.

[DBC10]

His mom is probably one of the primary reasons he's in the NBA. Losing a hero like that is going to need a lot of counsel for such a young guy like him. I'm glad his mom got to see her son live out his dream.

[effjay]

Recent Twitter post from SJ's page:

https://twitter.com/iAmSJ/status/627741322066038784

[BadMofoPimp]

So sad. I wish she could have seen his first NBA game. I hope all is well with Stanley and his family.

[Pharaoh]

Respect and recognition...

Stanley Johnson is the man he is because of her and I'm sure his career will stand as a monument to her

[ImHeisenberg]

Sorry to hear the passing of his mother. I know she was architect of Stanimal's training, and obviously a fantastic role model and mentor to him, beyond being a parent.

[kurtis48239]

Man,I really feel for that kid.you know she was a big part of his life and helped him get to this point.She hung on just long enough to see him relize his dream which turns out was hers as well.Iam sure he will use this as motavation.

This should make even the biggiest skeptic,root for this kid.

[treefi]

"Today was awesome to have her there with me and experience the event," Johnson said. "She set the foundation for me. She has always been the hardest coach on me and the hardest person on me. She's also been the strongest person in my life. She's been waiting for this her whole life. I'm happy to give this to her because she truly deserves this. She coached me all the way up until I was 14, 15 years old."

[Montanabadboy]

Oh man, how sad. This must be devastating for him. I didn't realize she was ill. Too bad she didn't get to see him play in the NBA, but at least she saw him get drafted. I didn't really care about him winning rookie of the year, I thought his best would come later, but now I'm really pulling for him on an individual basis.

[Canadafan]

Anyone know how old she was?

[detroitKG]

Anyone know how old she was?

51

[Canadafan]

Oh wow, so young. Way Way way too young. RIP