East Texas College Basketball Standout Dies in Mass Shooting

Houston Baptist University is mourning the death of a standout basketball player and outstanding young man. According to a report, Darius Lee was killed during a mass shooting that happened Sunday night in his hometown of Harlem, New York.

Darius Lee led the HBU basketball program in numerous categories this past season.  He was a 2nd team All-Southland Conference selection and he was 6th in the nation in steals per game.

Lee played for the Huskies for two seasons.  Stephen F. Austin State University also played in the Southland Conference in one of the seasons that Lee played for HBU, but the two teams never faced each other in that 2020-2021 season.

Houston Baptist athletics released the following statements concerning the passing of Darius Lee:

Statement from James Sears Bryant Head Men's Basketball Coach Ron Cottrell

"We are devastated. Darius was a remarkable young man who loved the Lord, his mom, his family, his teammates, his friends and his entire HBU family.

We are in shock and cannot wrap our heads around this news. My heart breaks for his mom, his sister and his entire family, and for our basketball team. The only thing we find comfort in right now is knowing where Darius is. He is in the arms of Jesus… we know that as fact. And we will see him again some day.

As great of a basketball player as he was, he was an even better person. I can't even think of basketball right now. I can only think of what a light Darius was during his short time on earth. He was a joy to coach and we loved him so much.

Please keep his mom, sister and family in your prayers, as well as our HBU basketball family, during this very difficult time."

Statement from HBU Director of Athletics Steve Moniaci

"Our prayers are with his family first and most importantly, but also with his friends, coaches, and teammates. He was a very fine young man who had a very bright future in front of him both on and off the court. This is unfortunately, yet again, another example of the senseless gun violence that seems to be plaguing our country right now and we all pray it will cease."