The basketball world was stunned on Tuesday by the news that Memphis Grizzlies star Brandon Clarke had passed away. Clarke played some of his college basketball at Gonzaga, under head coach Mark Few. Few released a statement about his former player, which was shared by The Spokesman-Review.
“We are devastated to hear the news about Brandon. He had such a kind, gentle, and warm soul, and I will always remember the great smile he had on his face whenever you were around him,” Few said in part in a statement. “…Brandon was a spectacular player and competitor, and a phenomenal teammate to all.”
Clarke was just 29 years old. He had been drafted in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, after his college career. Clarke played with the Grizzlies since the 2019-2020 season.
Memphis is also mourning his loss.
“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,” the Grizzlies said in a statement.
Several former NBA players, including Kendrick Perkins, were also devastated to hear that Clarke had died unexpectedly.
“D***! This Hurts my Heart! Rest In Paradise Brandon Clarke,” Perkins posted to X, formerly Twitter.
Clarke's death is being investigated as possibly drug-related, TMZ Sports reported on Tuesday. He started his college basketball career at San Jose State, before transferring to Gonzaga in 2018.
With the Grizzlies in 2025-26, Clarke averaged four points per game. He appeared in only two games, after dealing with injuries.
The basketball world was stunned on Tuesday by the news that Memphis Grizzlies star Brandon Clarke had passed away. Clarke played some of his college basketball at Gonzaga, under head coach Mark Few. Few released a statement about his former player, which was shared by The Spokesman-Review. “We are devastated to hear the news about Brandon.