Former Sonic Fleming dies

Former Sonics forward Al Fleming died of kidney cancer yesterday in his hometown of Michigan City, Ind. He was 49.

Including playoffs, Fleming played in 25 games for the Sonics in the 1977-78 season. He then played on pro teams in Sweden, Italy, Israel, Portugal and Uruguay before retiring at 28.

Fleming and his brother founded a church in Michigan City. Fleming, ordained as a minister in 1994, was diagnosed with cancer five years ago.

Fleming played college basketball at Arizona. He ranks No. 1 on the Wildcats' career rebounding list with 1,190.