Reggie Chaney, a former basketball forward for Houston, passed away, as announced by the team on Tuesday. He was 23 years old.
We are heartbroken by the passing of Reggie Chaney, who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The Cougars shared a statement on X, in which they expressed their sorrow.
No reason for the person’s death was given.
Chaney played on the Houston Cougars’ basketball team for three seasons from 2020 to 2023, appearing in 104 games and starting in his time at the Sixth American Athletic Conference Man of the Year conference in 2022-23. He was part of Houston’s NCAA tournament runs, reaching the Elite Eight in 2022, the Sweet Sixteen in 2023, and the Final Four in 2021.
Before his demise, Chaney agreed to a deal to participate in professional basketball internationally and was just a few days away from leaving, as stated by Houston head basketball coach Kelvin Sampson in a heartfelt homage.
Sampson penned on X, stating that he would be departing on Monday, Aug 28th to embark on his journey to Greece. He accomplished his lifelong aspiration of securing a professional basketball agreement. Furthermore, he became the first individual in his family to successfully complete a college education.
I deeply long for you and have strong affection for you. Your memory will live on forever. Rest in peace, Reggie, it will be easy for us to carry on with our lives knowing that you are allowing us to do so. Thank you, God, for blessing us with Reggie and for the basketball culture that has shaped our identity as Cougars. Reggie was the ultimate teammate, brother, grandson, and son.
Jarace Walker, who was selected by Houston with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, wrote the news of Chaney’s death that deeply saddened me. Former teammates of Chaney’s continued to pour in tributes.
Former Houston guard Marcus Sasser expressed, “I will always miss and love you, number 32.”
Rest in peace, dear brother Reg. I will forever miss and love you. I have to say goodbye soon, as I write this tribute to my brother, Chaney, who was a great guard for the Cougars, as written by Shead Jamal.
Kyler Edwards, a former guard from Houston, expressed that he and Chaney are “life-long brothers regardless of any circumstances.”
“I deeply care for you, my brother.. It doesn’t feel genuine and I’m extremely confused.. I don’t have an abundance of words to express.. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined it would happen this early! As a basketball player.. You have greatly influenced my personal growth and our connection extends far beyond the sport… Our bond is unbreakable and I genuinely believe that because.. Edwards expressed in an Instagram post, “You simply can’t comprehend how much this one pained me!”.
According to the news from Death Chaney, Eric Musselman, the head coach of the Razorbacks basketball team, stated that his team is “devastated”. Chaney spent his first two years of collegiate career at Arkansas, where he blocked a shot in 34 out of his 63 career games.
Musselman penned on X, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was an unwavering worker and adored by his teammates. The Razorback men’s basketball family is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Reggie Chaney.”
In June 2020, Chaney announced his decision to transfer from Houston to Arkansas. In his letter of departure, he described his time with Arkansas as a “fantastic experience” for both his fans and teammates, praising Coach Musselman.
In a declaration, Chaney expressed, ‘I want to express my gratitude to Coach (Mike) Anderson and his team for enlisting me, as well as Coach Musselman and his team for enhancing my skills.’ ‘I appreciate your commitment in pushing me during every practice, fellow teammates.’ ‘I will treasure the memories we have and the lasting bond we share.’ ‘I am grateful to all the Razorback supporters for their unwavering love and support.’ ‘Playing at Bud Walton Arena has genuinely been a delightful experience.’
“Expressing gratitude to Houston, Chaney conveyed on Instagram after the 2022-23 basketball season that the experience had been genuine. In May, Chaney successfully completed a liberal studies program and graduated from Houston.”