Former NBA player and college All-American Andre Emmett passed away on Monday morning after being shot in the Dallas area.
The 37-year-old Texas native is the all-time leading scorer for Texas Tech University after four standout seasons under coach Bobby Knight from 2000-04. The University confirmed his death in a statement on Monday morning.
Thank you for the competitor you were on the court and the incredible person you were off of it.
Thank you for the many amazing memories you helped create.
Thank you for inspiring the entire Texas Tech family.
Rest In Peace, Dre. pic.twitter.com/exZOvAgDCA
— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) September 23, 2019
According to the Dallas Police Department, at about 2:30 a.m. Emmett was “approached by two unknown suspects as he sat in his vehicle in front of his residence in the 1800 block of N. Prairie Avenue. The suspects displayed a handgun and an altercation ensued, during which the victim was shot as he ran away from the suspects.”
A neighbor called 911 and Emmett was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Emmett had recently become a father.
Former NBA player Andre Emmett, who played two seasons with the Nets and Grizzlies, was murdered this morning in Dallas. Emmett recently became a father. He played at Texas Tech and was No. 36 pick in 2004 draft. RIP.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 23, 2019
After two trips to the NCAA Tournament with Texas Tech, Emmett was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics with the 35th pick of the 2004 NBA Draft and played two seasons in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets. He was a two-time NBA G League All-Star and won the 2014 NBA G League All-Star Game MVP. His professional playing career also included stops in China, Lebanon, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
We are deeply saddened about the passing of Andre Emmett, who played 39 games for the Mad Ants and won the @nbagleague All-Star Game MVP in the 2014-15 season. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Emmett family. pic.twitter.com/j7zU92Befi
— Fort Wayne Mad Ants (@TheMadAnts) September 23, 2019
For the past two seasons, Emmett participated in the BIG3 League on the team 3’s Company. He finished last season tied with Amar’e Stoudemire for the second-most points in the league.
The BIG3 is in a state of shock over the sudden and tragic death of Andre Emmett. Andre was a member of the BIG3 family for two seasons and never without a smile on his face. His kindness towards others and easy-going demeanor made him a joy to be around. pic.twitter.com/QoNJ7NH2k0
— BIG3 on CBS (@thebig3) September 23, 2019
Emmett was inducted in to the Texas Tech Red Raiders Hall of Fame in 2018.
Rip to Dallas Legend Andre Emmett 🙏🏿
— Dennis Smith Jr. (@Dennis1SmithJr) September 23, 2019
Bob Knight was as tough on Andre Emmett as any player he coached at @TexasTechMBB. (There were some legendary late night running sessions) He never cracked but, rather, embraced the coaching. Ended up scoring 2,256 points. 🙏🏻🏀❤️
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) September 23, 2019