Former Houston and Arkansas basketball player Reggie Chaney passed away at the age of 23 on Monday, as confirmed by multiple reports. The exact cause of his death is not yet known, according to the Houston Time.news.
Reggie Chaney, a talented athlete, played three seasons for the University of Houston from 2020 to 2023, and two seasons for the University of Arkansas from 2018 to 2020. He was a key member of Houston’s Cougars team that reached the Final Four in 2021 and the 2023 team that entered the NCAA tournament as a No. 1 seed.
During his senior year, Chaney was named the AAC’s Sixth Man of the Year, highlighting his impact on the court for Houston and his contribution to the team’s remarkable 31-3 record. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Chaney was set to embark on a professional basketball career with Greece’s Psychiko B.C., as reported by the Houston Time.news.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Chaney played high school basketball in Texas before transferring to Findlay Prep in Nevada for his senior year. In 2017, he committed to the University of Arkansas as a three-star prospect and later transferred to Houston after his sophomore season.
Chaney’s college basketball journey was marked by success, and his impact as a teammate was deeply felt. After the Cougars’ Sweet 16 loss to Miami in March, Chaney spoke about the bond he shared with his teammates, expressing his admiration for their camaraderie both on and off the court.
Following the news of his untimely passing, Chaney’s friends, coaches, and teammates paid tribute to him, remembering him as a dedicated worker and beloved teammate. Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman expressed his sorrow on social media, emphasizing Chaney’s relentless work ethic and the strong bond he shared with his teammates.
Reggie Chaney leaves behind a loving family, including his parents Chandra Chaney and Reggie Lee, as well as his siblings Aubrey Lee, Damia Chaney, and Carter Lee.
The basketball community mourns the loss of a talented player and a beloved individual. Reggie Chaney will be remembered for his contributions to the Houston and Arkansas basketball programs, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him both on and off the court.