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.
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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.
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.
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.
