Former Houston, Arkansas basketball player Reggie Chaney dead at 23

Former Houston and Arkansas forward Reggie Chaney died Monday. He was 23.

The news was first reported by Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle.

Chaney wrapped his college career this past year, winning AAC Sixth Man of the Year as a fifth-year senior for Houston. He spent his first two years with the Razorbacks before transferring to the Cougars.

The 6-foot-8 forward helped Houston to the 2021 Men’s Final Four, averaging 15 minutes per game off the bench during the team’s run in the NCAA Tournament.

He played in 167 games during his college career with 33 starts, averaging 14.0 minutes, 4.0 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 63.2% from the field.

This past season, Chaney averaged 3.0 points and 2.7 rebounds as the Cougars reached No. 1 in the country. Chaney’s Sixth Man of the Year award was part of Houston’s sweep of the individual awards from the AAC. Other award winners included Marcus Sasser as AAC Player of the Year, Jamal Shead as AAC Defensive Player of the Year, and Jarace Walker as AAC Freshman of the Year.

Chaney went to high school at Henderson (N.V.) Findlay Prep. He was a three-star recruit coming out of high school in the 2018 recruiting class. Chaney was the No. 143 overall recruit in the class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He was set to play this upcoming season with AE Psychiko, a team in Athens, Greece.

Eric Musselman releases statement on death of Reggie Chaney

Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman tweeted out a statement Monday following the news of the death of Reggie Chaney.

Musselman coached Chaney for a season with the Razorbacks.

“The Razorback men’s basketball family is devastated to hear of the loss of Reggie Chaney,” Musselman wrote. “He was a relentless worker and loved by his teammates. His family is in our thoughts and prayers.”

Former Houston teammate Justin Gorham tweeted out Monday about the news as well, calling Chaney a key part of the Cougars.

Gorham was on that Final Four team with Chaney during the 2020-21 NCAA season.

“Two words that describe Reggie ‘Always Dependable,'” Gorham said. “No matter the situation (you knew) Reg gonna give his 110%. Glad I got the chance to lace em up with him, without Reg we don’t accomplish half the things we did. Rest easy brother LOVE.”