NBA G League Player Zeke Upshaw Dies After Collapsing During Game

On Saturday, 26-year-old #ZekeUpshaw collapsed during an NBA G League game. Just two days later, Upshaw’s mother announced her son’s heartbreaking death.

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“After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 a.m. To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans, and confidants, thank you for all your prayers and support during this most difficult time,” Jewel Upshaw said in a statement.

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In Saturday night’s game between Grand Rapids Drive and the Long Island Nets, with less than a minute remaining on the clock, Upshaw collapsed on the court. He was then transported to a local hospital after going into cardiac arrest.
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“We ask that you respect our privacy at this time. Details of his memorial will be announced at a later date,” the statement continued. “We’d like to thank the many doctors and nurses at Spectrum Health for their efforts in caring for our son. We’d also like to thank the Grand Rapids Drive for the support they have extended to our family.”
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Upshaw was a baller from Chicago, who played for Illinois State before transferring to Hofstra University and then joining the Grand Rapids Drive of the NBA G League, which is an affiliate of Detroit Pistons. The team released a statement in the wake of the tragedy.
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“The Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw,” the team said. “He had a warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court.”
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Our condolences to the Upshaw family.