The Mac Irvin Fire basketball program and Irvin family send their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and teammates of former Fire player Zeke Upshaw, who was pronounced dead this morning in Michigan, two days after he collapsed during an NBA G League game.
“He was one of the best shooters I ever coached,” said distraught Fire Coach Mike Irvin. “He never complained. He was a good all around person.”
The Fire will continue to support Zeke’s mother Jewel, who released the following statement during a difficult time.
“After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 a.m. To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans, and confidants, thank you for all your prayers and support during this most difficult time.”
The Chicago native played his prep basketball at the University of Chicago Lab School before going on to play at Illinois State and Hofstra University in college. He was the first student-athlete at U of C Lab to receive a basketball Division I scholarship.
