Preliminary autopsy results on former Indiana University basketball standout Eric Anderson are that the 48-year-old died of natural causes.

"It's cardiac-related, but natural causes until doc can confirm that in a report to me," Hamilton County Coroner John Chalfin said. That final report will likely be issued within 7 to 10 days, he said.

Those close to Anderson, a 6-9 forward affectionately known to teammates as “Big E," say he had been suffering from pneumonia.

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In severe cases, pneumonia can cause cardiac problems, including heart failure, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The Carmel Police Department responded to a call at 5:15 p.m. Sunday from Anderson's sister.

"His sister hadn’t heard from him in a couple days, which she thought was odd because he was fighting some type of illness," said Carmel Lt. Joe Bickel.

Officers went to Anderson's apartment at 110 W. Main St. for a welfare check. Anderson was found dead.

Former IU basketball star Eric Anderson dies at 48

A Hoosier from 1988 to 1992, Anderson is one of just six players in IU's history to rank top-15 all-time at Indiana in both scoring and rebounding. He was the 1989 Big Ten freshman of the year on a conference title team, and he was named most outstanding player in the 1992 NCAA tournament West regional, from which the Hoosiers advanced to the Final Four.

Anderson came to IU from St. Francis de Sales High School in Chicago, where he won Illinois Mr. Basketball honors and was named a McDonald’s All American in 1988. His 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds in the 1988-89 season helped the Hoosiers to the ninth of legendary coach Bob Knight’s 11 Big Ten titles.

He had recently moved to Hamilton County from Crown Point for a job in commercial banking.

Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on Twitter: @Dana Benbow. Reach her via e-mail: dbenbow@indystar.com.