NBA honors Terrence Clarke's memory on the night he would have been drafted
The NBA draft is typically a joyful night, but the absence of Kentucky's Terrence Clarke couldn't be ignored. Clarke tragically died in April after a car accident, and his presence was sorely missed on Thursday night.
Commissioner Adam Silver took a moment during the draft to honor Clarke's memory, and ceremonially draft him into the NBA. Silver invited his mother, sister, and brother on stage to share the moment. Clarke's mother was weeping throughout, still grieving the loss of her son.
With the next pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the NBA selects Terrence Clarke from the University of Kentucky. #LLTC5 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/fJYvShrgK3
— NBA (@NBA) July 30, 2021
Clarke's teammates, friends, fans, and even his coach spent time honoring him on social media throughout the day leading up to the draft.
I want to take a moment to remind everyone that this would have been Terrence Clarke’s big night as well. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him, his mom, Osmine, and their family. I can only imagine how wide that smile of his would have been hearing his name called. pic.twitter.com/2tr9gJwBWY
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) July 29, 2021
This would have been your big night, @terrenceclarke_. We haven’t forgotten that bright smile of yours and we will never forget it. #LLTC5 💙 💙 💙 pic.twitter.com/UFbPDo9vkh
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 29, 2021
Fly high 5, you're an @NBADraft pick.
We love you, Terrence. #LLTC5 💙💙💙 pic.twitter.com/SxpHdCeTiR— Kentucky 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. #LLTC5pic.twitter.com/TzNup4fJw5
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) 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 🕊💙 #LLTC5pic.twitter.com/thvV8GnGNA
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) July 29, 2021
Rest In Peace, TC5️⃣🕊️
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
TC 🙏🏽🙌🏽🖤
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) July 30, 2021
The @NBA i respect y’all for that! His family will forever appreciate this moment 🙏🏾🙏🏾
— R.HollisJefferson (@IAmCHAP24) July 30, 2021
#LLTC5 🕊
— Mo Bamba (@TheRealMoBamba) July 30, 2021
That’s why we dream about and love the @NBA 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿#terrenceclarke
— Thon Maker ™ (@ThonMaker14) July 30, 2021
— Eric Paschall (@epaschall) July 30, 2021
Fighting these tears back man, RIP TC5🕊💜 Thank you @NBA
— Nassir Little (@2ez_nassie) July 30, 2021
RIP T Clarke🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/7gquckh8E7
— miye (@PrinceOni13) 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
#LLTC5 🙏🏾💫🤞🏾
— Royce O'Neale (@BucketsONeale00) July 30, 2021
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