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Grand Rapids Drive forward Zeke Upshaw died Monday after collapsing on court two days ago during a game against the Long Island Nets. The team released a statement from Upshaw’s mother, Jewel, which confirmed his passing:
Statement from Grand Rapids Drive on Zeke Upshaw's passing: pic.twitter.com/EgnVR55qmU
— Adam Johnson (@realcommonname) March 26, 2018
The team released the following statement (via Instagram):
“The entire Grand Rapids Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw. Zeke had a warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court. Grand Rapids was fortunate to be the benefactor of two seasons of Zeke’s commitment to the youth and non-profits within our community. Our thoughts are with all of Zeke’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Video of the scary incident was posted on Twitter by @JMKTV and shows Upshaw going down around the 46-second mark — reports say he went into cardiac arrest.
https://twitter.com/JMKTV/status/977994636315721728
Upshaw was just 26 and played in 41 games this season. He played his collegiate ball at Illinois State and Hofstra and was drafted by the Drive in the 2016 NBA D-League Draft.
The reaction from the basketball community:
Pat McCaw will play with #PrayForZeke and FAITH on his shoes today to show love to @zeke_upshaw, the G-League player who collapsed yesterday. pic.twitter.com/JV6fP4EUS2
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) March 25, 2018
Prayers out to Zeke Upshaw’s family 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) March 26, 2018
Zeke Upshaw 🙏🏿
— Caron Butler (@realtuffjuice) March 25, 2018
Prayers up to my brother Zeke Upshaw.. hope he make it thru… had the pleasure to spend 5 months wit em!!
— Jordan Crawford (@jcraw55) March 25, 2018
