Reggie Chaney, a member of the University of Houston's 2021 Final Four basketball team, passed away on Monday at the age of 23. A source close to the university's program confirmed his demise, although the exact cause of death is not currently known.
Chaney, who had been a forward for the team, was in the process of preparing to join AE Psychiko, a professional basketball club located in Athens, Greece. His collegiate career spanned three seasons with the Cougars, concluding in the prior season where he was honored as the American Athletic Conference's Sixth Man of the Year. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Chaney had initially spent his initial two seasons playing for Arkansas.
Once he became part of the UH team, Chaney quickly became a fan favorite due to his selfless style of play, his readiness to come off the bench, and his resilience in the face of various injuries. Throughout his time, he encountered challenges with his hand, knee, and back, yet his commitment led him to rarely miss a game. He participated in over 100 games, contributing to the Cougars' successful deep postseason runs on three occasions.
In his final season, Chaney played a pivotal role in helping the Cougars achieve a No. 1 ranking and secure the top regional seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Kelvin Sampson had warm praise for Chaney, affectionately describing him as a "security blanket" due to his seasoned leadership and adaptability in any role.
Reggie's former teammate, Kiyron Powell, expressed his deep emotions on social media, writing, "Love you forever, brother! You always had faith in me, my friend. Your authenticity remained steadfast regardless of the circumstances. This pain runs deep. I know you're watching from above, still looking out for me. I'll do the same for you. Rest peacefully, big brother."