NBA Community Shows Love For G League Player Who Died After On-Court Collapse

Zeke Upshaw, who collapsed on the court Saturday night during a G League game, died Monday morning, according to a statement from his mother, Jewel Upshaw.

Here’s the complete statement, via Upshaw’s G League team, the Grand Rapids Drive:

https://twitter.com/AdamJ_NBAGL/status/978317790980456448

Upshaw fell to the floor Saturday in the final minute of the Drive’s home game against the Long Island Nets at DeltaPlex Arena. He left on a stretcher and was rushed to the hospital, where he tragically died Monday despite continued efforts to save the 26-year-old’s life.

The Drive, who are affiliated with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, also released a statement Monday after Upshaw’s passing:

Statement from the Drive: "The Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw. He had a warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court. Our thoughts are with all of Zeke’s family and friends during this difficult time." pic.twitter.com/FxQtaJoqbG

— Grand Rapids Gold (@NBAGrandRapids) March 26, 2018

So did G League president Malcolm Turner:

NBA G League President Malcolm Turner released the following statement regarding the passing of Grand Rapids Drive guard/forward Zeke Upshaw: pic.twitter.com/F78kIZEocC

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) March 26, 2018

Upshaw, a 6-foot-6 swingman, played three seasons at Illinois State and one at Hofstra before going undrafted out of college. He was in the midst of his second season with the Drive and scored 11 points Saturday to help Grand Rapids earn a playoff spot with a 101-99 win in its regular-season finale.

Upshaw’s death prompted an outpouring of emotion from the NBA community, with several former and current players weighing in on the tragedy.