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Who was Reggie Chaney? Coaches and teammates pay tributes as former University of Houston basketball player dies at 23

Before earning a liberal arts degree in May, the late Reggie Chaney played three seasons for Houston, averaging 3.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: The 2021 University of Houston NCAA Final Four team forward Reggie Chaney died on Monday, August 21, 2023.

According to multiple sources, Chaney died at the age of 23 and the reason behind his sudden death was not right away revealed.

Reggie Chaney was born in Tulsa

Chaney, an Oklahoma native who played high school basketball in Texas before moving as a senior to Findlay Prep in Nevada, was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

As per the University of Houston's 2022-23 Men's Basketball Roster, Chaney was the son of Chandra Chaney and Reggie Lee. He had two sisters named Aubrey Lee and Damia Chaney and a brother called Carter Lee.

He made a three-star 2017 commitment to Arkansas before transferring to Houston following his sophomore year.

Chaney talked about his teammates after his college career ended in March with a Sweet 16 loss to Miami.

Reggie Chaney's sports career

Chaney, an Oklahoma native, played his first two seasons at Arkansas. He played for the Arkansas Razorbacks for two seasons before joining the University of Houston where he played for three seasons.

According to the Houston Chronicle, he was expected to sign on with the Greek basketball team AE Psychiko.

Chaney spent three seasons with the Cougars, finishing his time there by being named the American Athletic Conference's Sixth Man of the Year in his last season.

Additionally, he had been a part of the University of Houston squad that won the NCAA championship in 2021.

Despite dealing with a series of hand, knee, and back injuries, Chaney played more than 100 games for the University of Houston.

Before earning a liberal arts degree in May, Chaney played three seasons for Houston, averaging 3.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.

Coach Kelvin Sampson once said of Chaney, "Reggie is like that penny (at the convenience store), when you need him, he’s there."

Reggie Chaney was a 'relentless worker and loved by his teammates'

After learning of Chaney's death, his friends, coaches, and teammates paid tribute to him.

On social media, Eric Musselman, the head coach of Arkansas, stated, "The Razorback men’s basketball family is devastated to hear of the loss of Reggie Chaney. He was a relentless worker and loved by his teammates. His family is in our thoughts and prayers."

Coach Kelvin Sampson referred to Chaney with affection as a "security blanket" for his seasoned leadership and versatility.

Cougars head coach Sampson said in March about Chaney, "I’ve always said, ‘Reggie, you’re my security blanket. Some days when it’s hot, I may not need you, but if there’s a little bit of a chill in the air, it’s good to know I’ve got that blanket there," per KHOU-11.

Former Houston teammate Justin Gorham said on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Two words that describe Reggie “Always Dependable”. No matter the situation yk 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."

Another former Razorbacks teammate, Mason Jones, also paid tribute to Chaney on X.

Jones wrote, "Pls give Reggie his flowers … if only y’all knew what he was really going through .. just a kid from Tulsa .. going to miss you brotha fr .. real life brotha , roommate and one of the realest guys you will ever meet !"

University of Houston beat writer Joseph Duarte also took to X and wrote, "Sad news to pass along … Former Houston forward Reggie Chaney, a member of the 2021 Final Four team, has passed away. He was 23. Chaney began his career at Arkansas. No details available at this time."

One Arkansas sports fan said, "Yet again, we say Rest In Peace to a former Razorback. Reggie Chaney has passed away at only 23 years old. It’s been an absolute gut punching summer for the Arkansas fanbase. The hits just keep on coming. May they all rest easy."