NBA pays tribute to the late Terrence Clarke during the 2021 draft. The 19-year old passed away earlier this year due to an unfortunate car accident.
Advertisement
Terrence Clarke played his freshman year for the University of Kentucky. The 6’7″ guard decided to go professional after his first year with Kentucky and began training for the 2021 NBA Draft.
The 19-year old played only 8 games during the season due to an injury to his right leg. Clarke averaged 9.6 PPG, 2.6 RPG, and 2 APG. He recorded his career-high 22-points against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
As things were looking very bright for the Kentucky guard, tragedy struck Clarke on 22nd April 2021. The 19-year old died in a fatal car accident in LA.
A candlelight vigil was held to remember former UK men’s basketball player Terrence Clarke who died in a car accident in Los Angeles on April 22. @KyKernel @KYKernelSports pic.twitter.com/L3tfL0sQXt
— Jack Weaver (@jack_weaver_) April 24, 2021
However, Clarke was honored by the NBA during the draft night. NBA commissioner Adam Silver made the Kentucky guard a ceremonial pick. Silver announced his name midway during the first round of the draft.
With the next pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the NBA selects Terrence Clarke from the University of Kentucky. #LLTC5 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/fJYvShrgK3
— NBA (@NBA) July 30, 2021
Tributes pour in for Terrence Clarke during the 2021 NBA Draft night
“His extraordinary talent, dedication, and commitment to the game deserve to be recognized,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. “He will forever be part of the NBA family.”
Clarke’s mother, Osmine Clarke, and family appeared at the Draft wearing NBA caps as they stood over the stage. During an interview post the draft telecast on ESPN, Osmine got emotional while speaking about her son, whose dream was to play in the NBA.
“He was so ready for (the draft), so excited,” Clarke’s mother, Osmine Clarke. “That was all he talked about, just going to the draft. ‘Mommy, am I ready for this? This is big.’ I’m like, ‘Yes, Terrence. You wouldn’t have been in this position if people didn’t think you were this good.”
Clarke had signed with Klutch Sports a day before his death. The Draft night had some of the biggest names in the NBA paying homage to the Kentucky guard.
We are proud to hear Terrence’s name called tonight. His dream was to be here and we will always honor and remember him. #LLTC5 pic.twitter.com/TzNup4fJw5
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 30, 2021
Rest In Peace, TC5️⃣🕊️
You represented your city proudly and will forever be a part of the NBA family. pic.twitter.com/Q9isuWNIFH
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 30, 2021
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) July 30, 2021
TC 🙏🏽🙌🏽🖤
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) July 30, 2021
You should’ve been here bro!! I saw the countless hours and time you put into this game! Now your up there hoopin in Gods gym! I love you my boy Rest In Paradise 🕊💙 #LLTC5 pic.twitter.com/thvV8GnGNA
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) July 29, 2021
#LLTC5 💚 https://t.co/6OjMDXVtFU
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 30, 2021
