Grand Rapids Drive Mourns the Passing of Zeke Upshaw
March 26, 2018 - NBA G League (G League)
Grand Rapids Drive News Release
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Drive today mourns the passing of forward Zeke Upshaw. The 26-year-old passed away earlier today at Spectrum Heath with family by his side.
Upshaw collapsed to the court with 40 seconds remaining in the Drive's victory over Long Island on Saturday night and was transported to the hospital. With privacy and respect for the Upshaw family, no other medical information will be disseminated.
"The entire Grand Rapids Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw," said Steve Jbara, owner of the Grand Rapids Drive. "Zeke had a warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court. Grand Rapids was fortunate to be the benefactor of two seasons of Zeke's commitment to the youth and non-profits within our community. Our thoughts are with all of Zeke's family and friends during this difficult time."
Upshaw was a two-year player for the Drive, drafted in the fourth round of the G League's Developmental Draft in 2016. Undrafted by the NBA, he previously played overseas before joining the Drive. Upshaw appeared in 41 games with the Drive this season, averaging 8.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game. The Chicago native played collegiately at Illinois State and three seasons at Hofstra where he averaged 19.8 points and 4.8 rebounds during his senior season (2013-14).
"Our thoughts and prayers extend to the entire Upshaw family during this terribly difficult time," said Jeff Bower, General Manager for the Detroit Pistons, who oversees basketball operations for the Grand Rapids Drive as part of the club's single-affiliation "hybrid" partnership. "Our organization is focused on providing necessary support for the Upshaw family as well as players and staff of the Grand Rapids Drive."
• Discuss this story on the NBA G League message board...
NBA G League Stories from March 26, 2018
- Legends Face Rio Grande Valley in Round 1 of Playoffs this Friday - Texas Legends
- 2018 NBA G League Playoffs Schedule Update - Osceola Magic
- Statement from the Reno Bighorns and Sacramento Kings Regarding the Passing of Zeke Upshaw - Reno Bighorns
- Mad Ants Host Eastern Conference Semifinals on April 3 at 7 p.m. - Indiana Mad Ants
- RGV Vipers Will Host Texas Legends on Friday, March 30 in NBA G League Playoffs - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Austin Spurs Playoff Tickets on Sale Starting Today - Austin Spurs
- 2018 NBA G League Playoffs Schedule Update - G League
- Official Statement from the Skyforce on the Passing of Zeke Upshaw - Sioux Falls Skyforce
- Statement from the Maine Red Claws on the Passing of Zeke Upshaw - Maine Celtics
- Statement from the Austin Spurs and Spurs Sports and Entertainment Regarding the Passing of Zeke Upshaw - Austin Spurs
- Grand Rapids Drive Mourns the Passing of Zeke Upshaw - Grand Rapids Drive
- Ike Anigbogu Assigned to Fort Wayne - Indiana Mad Ants
- NBA G League President Malcolm Turner Issues Statement Regarding the Passing of Zeke Upshaw - G League
- Statement from Family of Zeke Upshaw - Grand Rapids Drive
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Grand Rapids Drive Stories
- Grand Rapids Drive Announce Return for 2021-22 NBA G League Season
- Denver Nuggets and Grand Rapids Drive Partner as Single Affiliates Beginning with the 2021-22 Season
- Grand Rapids Drive Opt out of 2020-21 NBA G League Season
- Hall and Hollins Earn All-NBA G League Honors
- Drive, Griffins, Whitecaps and WMSC Unite as "One Team for West Michigan"