The college basketball world has been struck by tragedy. Late Monday night, Joseph Duarte of The Houston Chronicle reported that Reggie Chaney had passed away at 23. Chaney played for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 2019-20, then for the Houston Cougars from 2020 through this past 2022-23 season, including on their run to the 2021 Final Four.
Duarte later shared more details in a Chronicle story:
Reggie Chaney, a forward on the University of Houston’s 2021 Final Four team, passed away Monday. He was 23.
A person close to the program confirmed Chaney’s death. A cause of death was not immediately available.
Chaney was set to leave to play with AE Psychiko, a professional basketball team based in Athens, Greece.
…Coach Kelvin Sampson fondly referred to Chaney as a “security blanket” for his veteran leadership and ability to adapt to any role.
“Reggie is like that penny (at the convenience store), when you need him, he’s there,” Sampson once described Chaney.
Despite a long list of injuries, Chaney appeared in 103 games for Houston from 2020-23. He averaged 13.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game last season and was named the American Athletic Conference’s sixth man of the year. And the Cougars’ community, the Razorbacks’ community, and the wider basketball community all paid tribute to him Tuesday:
Very sad day for our agency as we found out about the passing of Reggie Chaney. Was a blessing getting to know him, and how hard he worked for his dreams. You will be missed. Our Condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends of Reggie.
— VM Hoops Agency (@VMHoopsAgency) August 22, 2023
Our thoughts go out to Chaney’s family and friends, and to everyone impacted by his passing.
About Andrew Bucholtz
Andrew Bucholtz has been covering sports media for Awful Announcing since 2012. He is also a staff writer for The Comeback. His previous work includes time at Yahoo! Sports Canada and Black Press.