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:
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:
So did G League president Malcolm Turner:
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.
