On Saturday, Zeke Upshaw, an NBA G League player for the Grand City Rapids, collapsed on the court during a game against the Long Island Nets. Upshaw was taken off the court on a stretcher.
Monday morning, his mother released a statement saying Zeke had died.
"After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 am.," the statement read. "To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans and confidants, thank you for your prayers and support during this most difficult time."
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
Jewel Upshaw (continued): "Details of his memorial will be announced at a later date. 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 Drive for the support they have extended to our family.” pic.twitter.com/sSLsWvfTny
The Drive selected Upshaw, 26, in the 2016 G League draft. He was a standout recruit in Chicago and played college hoops at Illinois State and Hofstra.
The Drive are the Detroit Pistons' G League affiliate. A 6-foot-6 small forward, Upshaw, in his second season with the G League team, averaged 8.5 points per game for the Drive.
