Former University of Houston basketball star Reggie Chaney died at age 23 on Monday night.
The news was confirmed by multiple outlets including the New York Post, which reported that Chaney had been set to join the professional basketball team AE Psychiko in Greece.
Chaney spent two seasons with the Arkansas Razorbacks before transferring to the University of Houston, where he played for three seasons.
The recent season was his last with the Cougars. He earned the title of Sixth Man of the Year in the American Athletic Conference.
Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Chaney was part of the 2021 University of Houston squad that progressed to the NCAA Final Four.
“I’ve always said, ‘Reggie, you’re my security blanket,’ ” Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson said in March about Chaney, according to KHOU-11. “Some days when it’s hot, I may not need you, but if there’s a little bit of a chill in the air, it’s good to know I’ve got that blanket there.”
During his time at the University of Houston, Chaney participated in over 100 games despite dealing with hand, knee, and back issues.
Past teammates and coaches reacted to the news of Chaney’s death.
“Two words that describe Reggie “Always Dependable,” former Houston teammate Justin Gorham wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “No matter the situation yk Reg gonna give his 110%. Glad I got the chance to lace em up with him, without Reg we don’t accomplish half the things we did. Rest easy brother LOVE.”
Razorbacks head coach Eric Musselman, in a statement to WholeHogSports, said that the “men’s basketball family is devastated to hear of the loss of Reggie Chaney.”
“He was a relentless worker and loved by his coaches and teammates. His family is in our thoughts and prayers,” Musselman said.
Former Razorbacks teammate Mason Jones shared a tribute to Chaney on social media.
“Pls give Reggie his flowers … if only y’all knew what he was really going through .. just a kid from Tulsa .. going to miss you brotha fr .. real life brotha, roommate and one of the realest guys you will ever meet !” he wrote on X.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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