Andre Emmett, a former NBA player and a star of the BIG3 league, was shot and killed in Dallas on September 23, 2019. He was 37 years old. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, and the police are still looking for the suspects. Emmett’s death shocked and saddened the basketball community, as he was remembered for his talent, kindness, and smile.
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A Promising Career Cut Short
Emmett was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He played college basketball for four years at Texas Tech University under legendary coach Bob Knight. He was the second all-time leading scorer for the Red Raiders, with 2,256 points. He also earned All-American honors in his senior year.
Emmett was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the second round of the 2004 NBA draft, but was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He played two seasons in the NBA, with the Grizzlies and the New Jersey Nets. He also played overseas in several countries, including China, Lebanon, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
In 2018, Emmett joined the BIG3 league, a three-on-three basketball competition featuring former NBA players. He played for 3’s Company, coached by Michael Cooper. He was one of the best players in the league, averaging 21.2 points per game in 2019. He led his team to the semifinals and was named to the All-BIG3 second team.
A Loving Father and a Generous Soul
Emmett was a devoted father to his two young daughters. He often posted videos and photos of his family life on his Instagram account. His last post was a video of him playing with his daughters on September 14, 2019. He wrote: “SUNDAY FOOTBALL FUNDAY!!! My baby lied to me and said she’d watch football with me. Then jumped on me and wouldnt let me watch the game smh. But I’ll take all that love and kisses over anything.”
Emmett was also passionate about helping young people through his Dreams Really Exist foundation, which he founded in 2016. The foundation aimed to provide scholarships, mentoring, and life skills training to students from low-income families in Dallas. Emmett often visited schools and community centers to inspire and motivate children to pursue their dreams.
A Tragic and Senseless Loss
On September 23, 2019, around 2:30 a.m., Emmett was sitting in his car outside his home in Dallas when he was approached by two men who had a handgun. An altercation ensued, and Emmett was shot as he ran away from the scene. A passerby found him and called 911. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The police released a video of two suspects fleeing the scene in a white Chrysler 300. They asked for the public’s help in identifying and locating them. No arrests have been made as of October 19, 2019.
The news of Emmett’s death shocked and saddened his family, friends, fans, and former teammates. Many of them took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to him.
The BIG3 league issued a statement saying: “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.”
Texas Tech coach Chris Beard said: “Heartbroken & sad this morning with news of Andre Emmett passing away. Andre represented Texas Tech like few others ever have both on & off the court.”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal said: “R.I.P to Andre Emmett my condolences goes out to his family.”
Andre Emmett cause of death was a senseless act of violence that took away a promising basketball player, a loving father, and a generous soul. He will be missed by many who knew him and admired him.
