Zeke Upshaw dies two days after collapsing during G League game

2:02 PM ET

ESPN News Services

Zeke Upshaw of the G League's Grand Rapids Drive died Monday, two days after he collapsed on the court near the end of a game and was rushed to a hospital. He was 26.

The Drive tweeted a statement from Upshaw's mother, Jewel Upshaw, in which she said her son died Monday morning after "continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health" in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

"To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans & confidants, thank you for your prayers and support during this most difficult time," Jewel Upshaw said in the statement.

Details on a memorial were not announced.

The Drive, who are affiliated with the NBA's Detroit Pistons, said in a statement that Upshaw had a "warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court."

Statement from the Drive: "The Drive family is mourning the tragic loss of Zeke Upshaw. He had a warm personality and was a tremendous representative of our organization both on and off the court. Our thoughts are with all of Zeke's family and friends during this difficult time." pic.twitter.com/FxQtaJoqbG
— Grand Rapids Drive (@grdrive) March 26, 2018

G League president Malcolm Turner said the league was "devastated" by Upshaw's death.

"Zeke was an outstanding young man whose powerful belief in himself and uncommon perseverance led to a successful professional basketball career," Turner said in a statement. "A beloved member of the Grand Rapids Drive, Zeke's continuous improvement and tireless work ethic were hallmarks of his career. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and the Drive organization."

Sarah Jbara, a spokeswoman for the Drive, had told MLive.com that Zeke Upshaw tumbled to the floor Saturday night with about 50 seconds remaining in a home game against the Long Island Nets. He was removed from the court on a stretcher and taken to Spectrum Health.

Upshaw had scored 11 points to help the Drive earn a playoff spot with a 101-99 victory in the regular-season finale.

The undrafted Upshaw was in his second season with the Drive. From Chicago, the 6-foot-6 swingman played three seasons at Illinois State and finished his college career with a year at Hofstra.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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