Kentucky basketball honors Terrence Clarke at Big Blue Madness

The Kentucky basketball program honored the late Terrence Clarke to open the season at Big Blue Madness.

During John Calipari’s annual state of the program address, the UK head coach paused to celebrate Clarke’s life with the former Kentucky guard’s family in town.

Calipari discussed Clarke’s time in Lexington and impact on the program while the team presented his mother with a special gift: custom sneakers with Clarke’s face and number painted on the sides.

“In April, we lost a son, a brother, a young man with his whole life ahead of him,” Calipari said. “Terrence Clarke came into the gym every day with a smile on his face and a spirit about him that rubbed off on everyone he touched.

“To Terrence’s family, who are here with us tonight: Osmine Clarke, Tatyana Gray, Gavin Clarke, and his grandmother, Ingrid. How are you, grandma?

“I’m so sorry Terrence didn’t have an opportunity to experience this in person, but I know he’s here in spirit tonight. We, again, the Big Blue Nation loved your son. You know what? Why don’t we show him how much we loved him.”

Watch the emotional moment below:

John Calipari honors the late Terrence Clarke at Big Blue Madness.

Clarke’s family in attendance to hear Big Blue Nation “show how much they love him.” pic.twitter.com/lVlRoBMX60

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) October 16, 2021

Coach Cal honors Terrence Clarke and his family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZeH8TqvxIb

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 16, 2021

Clarke tragically passed away at the age of 19 back in April following a car accident in California, just one day after signing a deal with Klutch Sports and three months before the 2021 NBA Draft.

The NBA selected Clarke as an honorary draft pick in July with his mother, sister and brother in attendance.

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

#LLTC5