Former Desert Vista High School basketball star Brandon Clarke, 29, dies at 29

Former Desert Vista High School basketball standout Brandon Clarke died on Tuesday, May 12.

The Memphis Grizzlies and Clarke's sports agency announced the death of the 29-year-old power forward. Clarke played just two games during the 2025-26 right calf strain, among other injuries.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the Grizzlies announced in a tweet. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Clarke played his high school basketball in Phoenix, leading his team to the Division I state championship game in 2015. He was named a first-team All-Arizona Division I honoree by The Arizona Republic — part of the USA TODAY Network.

"Sad day," Sam Duane Jr., who coached Corona del Sol to that 2015 state championship win over Desert Vista, told the Arizona Republic. "Brandon was a tremendous player, elite competitor. He played with great passion and intensity, while, at the same time, respected his opponents and the game. He was extremely hard to compete against, but easy to root for."

As a senior, he recorded 10 triple-doubles, which included points, rebounds and blocks. As a junior, he averaged 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four blocks per game.

Following his high school career, Clarke went on to play at San Jose State, earning Mountain West Conference Sixth Man of the Year as a freshman. After his sophomore season, he transferred to Gonzaga and spent his final two collegiate seasons with the Bulldogs.

Clarke was selected as the No. 21 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, though he spent his entire career with the Grizzlies following a trade to Memphis on July 7, 2019.