Prayers for Zeke Upshaw

[G24]

The Grand Rapids Drive has unfortunately posted a statement from his mother confirming Zeke Upshaw passed away this morning: https://twitter.com/grdrive/status/9783 ... 06497?s=19

[cactus]

RIP, such a tragedy.

[The Shadow]

My condolences to the Upshaw Family. During this Easter-Passover Season, another reason to really think about how much your family and friends mean to you. Rest in Peace Zeke.

[Flying Dutchmen]

Is there a go fund me for the Upshaw family?

[Wags]

Dammit. Zeke was a very nice guy. I pray he's somehow in a better place now. Condolences and strength to his family and friends. I'm suddenly a Grand Rapids Drive fan now. Not that it matters too much, but hopefully they can win in the playoffs in his honor. Although I'm not even sure mentally, how they can play now. Sounded more hopeful last night. As we all are, I'm really sorry to hear it took this turn today. Quite a turnaround from his limited role in three years at Illinois State to becoming a near-20-point scorer during his lone year at Hofstra. Wish we had him for longer at HU. Wish his family and the world had him WAY longer in general.

[stuball888]

Zeke R.I.P. what a shame. One of the nicest players agave met and a great person as well. Let me know if Hofstra puts up a fund me page

[HUSID74]

Terrible tragedy, our thoughts and prayers go out to Zeke and his entire family....hopefully Hofstra does something to honor his memory.

[Wags]

Just found a quote from Joe after Zeke's last game in a Hofstra uniform, in a 2014 CAA quarterfinal loss to Delaware:

“It’s hard to say goodbye to your guys,” he said.

Later, Mihalich fought back the tears before adding particularly of Upshaw and Nesmith, “When we’re eventually cutting the nets down and winning championships, we should be able to look back on this team and say they were a big part of it… to turn around a program is not an easy thing to do… and when we’re getting to the point of hopefully climbing up a ladder and cutting down some nets, we can say, ‘Don’t forget 2013-14.' We didn’t have a lot to show for it in the win columns, but don’t forget Zeke Upshaw and Dion Nesmith… [or] Stephen Nwaukoni.”

Ugh. That has such a different context today.

[daHUPride]

RIP - Zeke.
In his short time here - he was our shining light in our darkest hour - for that we always will be indebted.
Thank you Zeke.
RIP.

[triplec2195]

A rags to riches player and a good person with a good sense of humor. Such a shame condolences to his family. Life is too short!

[joeg1]

Just goes to show, you do not know the day or the hour....very sad day for the program. He made an impact in such a short time with us.

[Wags]

Nice words from Brian Bernardi:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgzQqeKF7Sj/

[stuball888]

Husid can you find out if Hofstra is doing something to honor Zeke. Is there a fund me page. Will the spring teams wear black arm bands. Moment of silence before the start of games etc

[HUSID74]

I will contact Joe...

[Jojogunne]

Glad we got to know Zeke. Add my condolences to those already expressed.

Maybe Hofstra can start a Zeke Upshaw Memorial Scholarship for student-athletes who follow in his path.

[stuball888]

Great idea Jojowould like to see the school go n that direction

[Wags]

Great idea Jojowould like to see the school go n that direction

Yes, an excellent idea, Jojo. I'm sure that would mean a lot to Zeke's family.

[Dooku25]

Awful awful news.. Probably one of the best grad transfers in college hoops history, going from averaging 2 pts a game to 20 pts a game. He was definitely a huge part of changing HU hoops culture at the time we needed it most and will always be remembered for that. RIP Zeke..

[Polito]

Wow, so sorry to hear this, 26, just brutal - God bless Zeke, and to your family and friends - mother reeks of strength in her twitter posts.

You literally started the turnaround movement here, and will not be forgotten - brought hope and joy to HU hoops again - play on, and rest well

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-mourns-dea ... 17606.html

[stuball888]

Went to Illinois state website and no mention of Zeke at all. Very strange