At the NBA Draft, Commissioner Adam Silver invites the family of the deceased Kentucky guard, Terrence Clarke, onto the stage.
It was the dream of Terrence Clarke, like most young men, to have his name announced on the night of the NBA draft, and his dream was a realistic one.
Clarke, a respected prep player from Boston, played the 2020-21 season at Kentucky. After his freshman year, he declared his intentions to turn professional and promptly started training for the next level.
Just months later, he was gone, a victim in a fatal single-passenger car accident in the Los Angeles area in April. It was a shock to everyone who knew him and those who followed him, including many in the NBA community.
In a poignant gesture, the NBA mentioned Clarke’s name on Thursday during the “drafting” ceremony, midway through the first round, following the lottery picks. The league did this as a heartfelt tribute.
“His extraordinary talent, dedication and commitment to the game deserve to be recognized,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. “He will forever be part of the NBA family.”
Clarke’s mother, Osmine Clarke, and family appeared at the Draft and walked on stage to meet Silver. They were feted in the name of the son and brother whose life was cut short at 19.
After leaving Kentucky, Clarke signed with Klutch Sports, the agency created by Rich Paul and LeBron James. He was a potential lottery pick who could’ve had the opportunity to elevate his draft stock higher in the combines and pre-Draft workouts.
He played only eight games with Kentucky because of an ankle injury, averaging 9.6 points, but many NBA scouts had him on their radar and projected him as a solid draft pick anyway. He starred at Brewster Academy, the same high school attended by Donovan Mitchell of the Jazz.
In a post on social media, Clarke wrote after his departure from Kentucky and before his demise, “Wearing the Kentucky uniform was a lifelong dream of mine as a teenager. Despite the obstacles that were beyond my control, the experience is something I will always cherish. I have learned and grown so much from this experience and I will never take it for granted.”
Fly high 5, you're an @NBADraft pick.
We love you, Terrence. #LLTC5 pic.twitter.com/SxpHdCeTiR
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 30, 2021
We are proud to hear Terrence’s name called tonight. His dream was to be here and we will always honor and remember him. #LLTC5 pic.twitter.com/TzNup4fJw5
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 30, 2021
Rest In Peace, TC5️⃣️
You represented your city proudly and will forever be a part of the NBA family. pic.twitter.com/Q9isuWNIFH
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 30, 2021
❤️ https://t.co/bfbYOCai17
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) July 30, 2021
TC
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) July 30, 2021
You should’ve been here bro!! I saw the countless hours and time you put into this game! Now your up there hoopin in Gods gym! I love you my boy Rest In Paradise #LLTC5 pic.twitter.com/thvV8GnGNA
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) July 29, 2021
#LLTC5 https://t.co/6OjMDXVtFU
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 30, 2021
R.I.P. T Clarke
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) July 30, 2021
https://t.co/2oez9SefUS
— Royce O'Neale (@BucketsONeale00) July 30, 2021
That’s why we dream about and love the @NBA #terrenceclarke
— Thon Maker ™ (@ThonMaker14) July 30, 2021
Fighting these tears back man, RIP TC5 Thank you @NBA
— Nassir Little (@2ez_nassie) July 30, 2021
This is so sad #TerrenceClarke
— Onyeka Okongwu (@BigO21_) July 30, 2021
You made it! I know you up there smiling right now lil bro. Shoutout to the @NBA . Special moment! LLTC5
— Jarred Vanderbilt (@JVando) July 30, 2021
The @NBA i respect y’all for that! His family will forever appreciate this moment
— R.HollisJefferson (@IAmCHAP24) July 30, 2021
