Former Clemson star passes away at age 27

David Hood by Senior Writer -

According to reports, former Clemson point guard Demontez Stitt was found dead in his home early Wednesday.

Stitt played for Clemson from 2007-2011 and is the only Clemson player to start on four NCAA Tournament teams. He is number six in Clemson history with 419 assists and was named to the school's 25-member all-time Clemson men’s basketball team in 2011.

Stitt played pro basketball in Europe and America with Hapoel Tel Aviv, Belfius Mons-Hainaut, Maccabi Haifa, Sigal Prishtina, Fuerza Regia Monterrey and Orkide Gediz Universitesi. Last season in the TBL he averaged 19 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5 assists per contest.

His team extended condolences with a tweet.

"The heart,the soul,the faith,the smile,the determination," Hapoel Tel Aviv posted on their Instagram account. "All reasons for gaining our respect, and love. Thank you Demontez. We will meet again. #demontezstitt

Stitt's next to last tweet was "Thank you Lord!" We will have more information as the story develops.

Clemson had the following press release on Wednesday.

CLEMSON, S.C. — Demontez Stitt, the only men’s basketball player in Clemson history to start on four NCAA Tournament teams, died Tuesday at his home in Charlotte, N.C. Stitt was just 27 years of age.

“My heart aches today,” said head coach Brad Brownell, who coached Stitt as a senior in 2010-11. “Demontez was a true pleasure to coach. I’ll never forget his big smile and competitive spirit. Clemson basketball extends our condolences to his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

A native of Matthews, N.C., Stitt competed for the Tigers from 2007-11. He started 111 games, fifth-most in Clemson history. He finished his career in the top 15 in several statistical categories, including sixth in assists (419), 10th in steals (164) and 14th in points (1,365).

Stitt earned numerous accolades throughout his career. As a senior in 2011, he was named third-team All-ACC by the media after averaging 14.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He was also a first-team All-ACC Tournament selection that year after posting a memorable 25-point outing in the semifinals against North Carolina. During his four years, he helped the Tigers to the 2008 ACC Championship game and 2011 semifinals. He was named to Clemson’s 100th anniversary team in 2012.

Stitt played overseas following his Tiger career, and completed arguably his best season in 2015-16 with Orkide Gediz of the Turkish Basketball League. He averaged a team-high 19.0 points and 5.1 assists per game for Gediz this past season.

We're saddened by the passing of Demontez Stitt (27). We extend our deepest sympathies to his family & friends. #RIP pic.twitter.com/2mzJKzBJqO — Maccabi Haifa B.C. (@MaccabiHaifa) July 13, 2016

we send our deep condolences to demontez stitt's friends and family. our hearts and prayers are with you. R.I.P pic.twitter.com/aJrqnJ7sW6 — Hapoel Tel Aviv BC (@HapoelTLVBC) July 13, 2016

With heavy hearts today we mourn the passing of Demontez Stitt, just 27 years old. RIP "Buddy," you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/4CfQ046PKV — Clemson Basketball (@ClemsonMBB) July 13, 2016

Really tough news today to learn of the passing of Demontez Stitt we came into clemson together. One of the realist person I meet. RIP #2 — Cj Spiller (@CJSPILLER) July 13, 2016

Our Clemson family has truly lost a legend R.i.P. Demontez Stitt @_buddyDAgr8 pic.twitter.com/AAUXV7rmxl — Chris Hairston (@C_Hairston75) July 13, 2016

Clemson has had a lot of great players, but Stitt is the only Tiger to start on four NCAA Tournament teams. — Tim Bourret (@TimBourret) July 13, 2016

My heart aches. RIP @_buddyDAgr8 Will always remember your big smile and competitive spirit. It was a true pleasure to coach you. — Coach Brad Brownell (@Coach_Brownell) July 13, 2016

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Demontez Stitt. He will always remain a part of the ACC Family.https://t.co/hjtIihGyz0 — ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) July 13, 2016

Life is too short!! RIP Demontez Stitt. Good dude and always showed love. Prayers to his family. — Terrell McIntyre (@TMcIntyre5) July 13, 2016

We lost a special friend, son, teammate, and brother. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.



Love you Buddy pic.twitter.com/OSz7rj67Um — Tanner Smith (@tannersmith5) July 13, 2016

Saddened to hear the death of my former tiger brother Demontez Stitt !! Prayers for his family???? https://t.co/Ve7tjh7Yfw — Da'Quan Bowers (@DaQuanBowers91) July 13, 2016