NBA player falls on the court, dies

Grand Rapids, March 27: Zeke Upshaw, a swingman for the Detroit Pistons’ G League affiliate who collapsed on the court during a game over the weekend, died on Monday.

Upshaw, 26, died at a hospital, the Grand Rapids Drive said. No cause was disclosed. He collapsed Saturday night near the end of a game against the Long Island Nets.

The Pistons held a moment of silence in Upshaw’s memory on Monday night before their home game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The G League also pushed back the start of its playoffs, delaying not just the Drive’s upcoming game but the entire first round.

“Zeke was an outstanding young man whose powerful belief in himself and uncommon perseverance led to a successful professional basketball career,” ‘ G’ League president Malcolm Turner said in a news release.

“A beloved member of the Grand Rapids Drive, Zeke’s continuous improvement and tireless work ethic were hallmarks of his caree,” he added.

Upshaw’s mother, Jewel Upshaw, released a statement thanking the team and fans. Team owner Steve Jbara said the Grand Rapids area was fortunate to enjoy Upshaw’s commitment to the community, especially children.

Numerous NBA players posted messages of sorrow after Upshaw’s death was announced. Some members of the Pistons scrawled tributes on the sneakers they wore for their game on Monday night, as did Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Lost a real one today,” Pistons star Andre Drummond wrote on Twitter.

“Tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw, my thoughts and prayers are with all of Zeke’s family and friends during this difficult time. ... Rest easy my guy.”