Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, his sports agency confirmed in a statement released on May 12.
The Memphis Grizzlies forward had just completed his seventh NBA season, all of which were spent in Memphis after being selected with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga University.
Clarke entered the NBA after a standout college career that began at San Jose State University before transferring to Gonzaga. He quickly found success in Memphis, earning NBA All-Rookie honors while averaging a career-high 12.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game during his first season.
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Brandon Clarke dies at age 29
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The Grizzlies confirmed the news in a statement on social media. They said: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
We are beyond devastated by the passing of Brandon Clarke,” said Clarke’s agency.
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“He was so loved by all of us here, and everyone whose life he touched. He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family. Our hearts are so broken as we think about his mom, Whitney, his entire family and all of his friends. From high school to San Jose State to Gonzaga to the Grizzlies, Brandon impacted everyone who was part of his life.”
The cause of death has not been publicly confirmed at the time of writing.
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