NBA G League player Zeke Upshaw dies after collapsing on court

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NBA G League player Zeke Upshaw of the Grand Rapids Drive has died, according to a statement released by the team from Upshaw’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 and confidants, thank you for your prayers and support during this most difficult time.”

Upshaw collapsed on the court near the end of Saturday’s game against the Long Island Nets and was taken off the court on a stretcher.

"The Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw," the team said in a statement. "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."

Upshaw, 26, was a standout player from Chicago before attending Illinois State and later transferring to Hofstra. He played for two seasons overseas before he was drafted by the Drive in the 2016 draft.

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"The NBA G League family is devastated by the tragic passing of Zeke Upshaw," G League president Malcolm Turner said in a statement. "Zeke was an outstanding young man whose powerful belief in himself and uncommon perseverance led to a successful professional basketball career. A beloved member of the Grand Rapids Drive, Zeke's continuous improvement and tireless work ethic were hallmarks of his career. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and the Drive organization."

The Drive is the G League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons. Saturday's win over Long Island clinched a playoff berth for the Drive, but that was overshadowed by Upshaw's collapse.

Upshaw was in his second season with the Drive. He played in 41 games averaging 8.5 points in nearly 20 minutes per contest this season.

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