In an emotional and heart-wrenching announcement, New York Knicks shooting guard Landry Shamet confirmed the passing of his beloved mother, Anne Shamet, after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by teammates and visibly overcome with emotion, Shamet addressed the media Monday afternoon, sharing the devastating news with the public and expressing his deep sorrow and love for the woman he called his “greatest supporter.”
“It’s such a difficult moment for me,” Shamet said, choking back tears. “My mom was everything to me. She fought every single day with strength and grace. She never gave up—never. And even in her toughest moments, she worried more about me than herself.”
A Mother’s Love, A Son’s Inspiration
Anne Shamet, 57, was more than just a mother to Landry — she was his foundation, his mentor, and his most steadfast supporter from the beginning of his basketball journey. A single mother, Anne raised Landry in Kansas City, balancing multiple jobs while ensuring her son had every opportunity to succeed, both academically and athletically.
“She’s the reason I made it here,” Shamet continued. “She taught me to believe in myself when no one else did. She was there for every high school game, every late-night gym session, every injury, every disappointment. All I ever wanted to do was make her proud.”
Throughout his career — from Wichita State to the NBA — Shamet has often spoken publicly about his close relationship with Anne, crediting her unwavering support as a key factor in his success. Anne was known among Shamet’s coaches and teammates as a strong, loving, and fiercely devoted mother. Even as she underwent treatment, she remained involved in her son’s life, often traveling to see his games when her health allowed.
A Private Battle Made Public
Though Shamet had kept much of his mother’s illness private over the past few years, close friends and members of the Knicks organization were aware of the toll her condition had taken on him. According to team officials, Shamet had quietly been flying back and forth between New York and Kansas City during off-days and breaks to spend as much time with his mother as possible.
“Landry showed a level of strength most people will never understand,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “He was dealing with something incredibly personal and painful, but he never once used it as an excuse. He showed up for this team, and he showed up for his mom in every way.”
On Monday, with his voice breaking and eyes swollen with grief, Shamet finally opened up about the journey they had endured together.
“She fought cancer for over three years,” he said. “It was hard. There were good days and really tough ones. But even at the worst, she still smiled. She was selfless. She never let me see how much pain she was in.”
Shamet expressed his gratitude to the Knicks organization, teammates, and fans for respecting his family’s privacy and supporting him through the most challenging chapter of his life.
Teammates and League Offer Support
News of Anne Shamet’s passing sent ripples through the NBA community, with an outpouring of condolences and messages of support coming in from across the league.
Teammate Jalen Brunson tweeted:
“We’ve got your back, always. Prayers up for Landry and his family. Rest easy, Ms. Anne.”
The Knicks released an official statement shortly after Shamet’s announcement:
“The New York Knicks organization mourns the passing of Anne Shamet, mother of our teammate Landry Shamet. We offer our deepest condolences to Landry and his family during this incredibly difficult time. Landry is not just a member of this team—he’s part of our family, and we’re here for him.”
Other NBA players, past and present, took to social media to share heartfelt messages, with many noting the strength and character Shamet has displayed both on and off the court.
Looking Ahead: A Season Dedicated
As Shamet steps away from basketball to be with family and grieve, the Knicks have granted him an indefinite leave of absence. No timetable has been set for his return, but the organization made clear that his focus should be on healing and spending time with loved ones.
Sources close to Shamet say he intends to return to play this season — not just for himself or the team, but in honor of his mother’s legacy.
“She always told me, ‘Keep going. No matter what,’” Shamet shared. “When I’m ready, I’ll get back out there. And when I do, every step I take will be for her.”
Shamet also revealed plans to launch a charitable initiative in Anne’s name, aimed at supporting single parents and cancer patients — a cause close to both their hearts.
“She gave so much without asking for anything in return,” he said. “If I can help just one family get through something like this, then I know she’d be proud.”
A Legacy of Love and Strength
In her life, Anne Shamet was a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Her strength lives on in her son — not just in how he plays the game of basketball, but in how he walks through life.
“She taught me what strength really looks like,” Shamet said. “Not just physical strength, but heart, soul, and love. I’ll carry her with me, every day.”
As Landry Shamet takes time to mourn and reflect, fans, teammates, and the basketball world stand beside him — not as spectators of his career, but as members of a greater family, united in grief and in the celebration of a remarkable woman’s life.
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