Yinka Dare, 32; Top 1994 Draft Pick of the New Jersey Nets

Yinka Dare, 32, the first-round draft choice of the NBA’s New Jersey Nets in 1994, died Friday after collapsing at his home in Englewood, N.J. A medical examiner said Dare suffered a heart attack caused by an arrhythmia condition, which was discovered while he was a student at George Washington University.

In his lackluster professional career, the 7-foot Nigerian center played 110 games over four seasons with the Nets, averaging 2.1 points and 2.6 rebounds. He had only four career assists, none in his first two seasons.

As a college student, he led the George Washington Colonials to two consecutive NCAA tournament appearances under Coach Mike Jarvis.

Dare was the Nets’ surprise choice 10 years ago, after his sophomore season. Carefully tutored by the professional team, he played only one game in his first season and then had knee surgery. The Nets traded him in February 1998 to the Orlando Magic, which soon released him.

Considered talented but thrown into the NBA before he had developed his skills, Dare became a symbol of the Nets’ long-range misfortunes. They never made the playoffs during his three full seasons with the team, and won no playoff games in the following four seasons.