Andre Emmett, a former basketball player at Texas Tech University, is dead at age 37. According to reports, the Big3 basketball star was murdered in Dallas.
“The BIG3 is in a state of shock over the sudden and tragic death of Andre Emmett,” the league said in a statement. “Andre was a member of the BIG3 family for two seasons and never without a smile on his face.
“Off the court, Dre was passionate about helping young people through his Dreams Really Exist foundation. We are simply heartbroken by this devastating loss. Our thoughts are with Andre’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Emmett previously played in the NBA after being selected in the second round of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics. During his time at Texas Tech, Emmett averaged 20 points per game during his junior and senior seasons.
“Former NBA player Andre Emmett, who played two seasons with the Nets and Grizzlies, was murdered this morning in Dallas,” Shams Charania of The Athletic wrote on Twitter. “Emmett recently became a father. He played at Texas Tech and was No. 36 pick in 2004 draft. RIP.”
His bio read:
“Emmett played for coaching legend Bobby Knight at Texas Tech, where he finished as the second-leading scorer in school history and fourth all-time in Big 12 history,” his Big 3 bio reads (via 247Sports). “Emmett twice led the Big 12 in scoring, earning All-America honors in 2004 and winning the 2004 NCAA Slam Dunk contest.
“After college, Emmett spent parts of two seasons in the NBA, with the Memphis Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets. He’s been active overseas and in the NBA D-League. He was a two-time D-League all-star. Playing for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, he was named 2015 D-League All-Star Game MVP.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Emmett’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.