![Upshaw was a member of the Grand Rapids Drive of the NBA G-League for two years [Image via Grand Rapids Drive/WikiCommons]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/3/24/660x290/b_502x220x82/upshaw-was-a-member-of-the-grand-rapids-drive-of-the-nba-g-league-for-two-years-image-via-grand-rapids-drivewikicommons_1904283.jpg "Upshaw was a member of the Grand Rapids Drive of the NBA G-League for two years [Image via Grand Rapids Drive/WikiCommons]")
NBA prospect Zeke Upshaw was pronounced dead on Monday, March 26, two days after collapsing on the court during an NBA G-League contest on Saturday, March 24. He was 26 years old. Upshaw was in his second season with the Grand Rapids Drive, a team in the NBA G-League which is the NBA's official minor league. The team announced his death on Twitter on Monday.
Statement from Jewel Upshaw, Zeke's mother: “After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 am. To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans & confidants, thank you for your prayers and support during this most difficult time. pic.twitter.com/1AutFtIFwU
— Grand Rapids Drive (@grdrive) March 26, 2018
Upshaw scored 11 points in Saturday's game to help his team to a 101-99 victory over the Long Island Nets, which clinched the team's first playoff appearance in franchise history.
With less than one minute left in regulation, Upshaw collapsed on the court. An official immediately stopped the game and Upshaw was attended to by the medical team on duty. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, according to Fox News. At the hospital, Upshaw spent two days there before passing on Monday morning.
Upshaw's impact on the court
The 26-year-old Chicago native played consistent minutes off the bench for the Drive, averaging nearly 20 minutes per contest. He averaged 8.5 points per game. Listed at 6'6", Upshaw was electric on defense, recording many steals and blocks to help his team get into the win column.
Before entering the G-League, Upshaw played at the college level. He spent his first three years of school playing for Illinois State and then transferred to play his final year at Hofstra University on Long Island.
In his final year of college basketball, played at Hofstra, he averaged 19.8 points per game which was the highest average in his four years as an eligible NCAA athlete.
He is known at Hofstra as a player that helped propel the team during a rebuilding phase in the 2013-2014 season. He was part of Hofstra's current head coach Joe Mihalich's first team that went 10-23.
The following year, Hofstra improved to a 20-14 record and earned a spot in the College Basketball Invitational Tournament.
Mourning the loss
After the announcement of Upshaw's passing, many teams, individuals, and others took to Twitter to share their condolences. The Nets tweeted out their condolences for Zeke and the Upshaw family.
The Long Island Nets extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Zeke Upshaw. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the @grdrive during this difficult time. https://t.co/MVv7QggiKA
— Long Island Nets (@LongIslandNets) March 26, 2018
The Drive also released a team statement on Twitter following Upshaw's death.
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 Drive (@grdrive) March 26, 2018
Many other teams, students, faculty, teammates and others who Upshaw had an impact on took to Twitter to send their condolences to the family. Upshaw's mother announced that the memorial has not been scheduled yet, but that the date and time would be released as soon as it is scheduled.
