Brandon Clarke, a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, passed away at age 29 on May 11. His high school coach, Tony Darden, reflects on Clarke's journey from an unknown player to the NBA.
Key points
Brandon Clarke died on May 11 at age 29.
He played for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Tony Darden was his coach at Desert Vista High.
Clarke's journey to the NBA began in high school.
Darden aims to honor Clarke's legacy through his son.
Mentioned in this story
Desert Vista HighTony Darden
Brandon ClarkeMemphis Grizzlies
Brandon Clarke's Desert Vista coach recalls rise from unknown to NBA
Tony Darden struggled to tell his 14-year-old son, AJ, that his inspiration is no longer here.
âIt's tough for him going through it right now as well as I've had to, you know, tell him about that, but, you know, it's a part of growing up and hopefully Brandonâs legacy will live through my son now,â Darden said in an interview May 12 with The Republic.
Darden witnessed Clarkeâs rise from being an unranked high school player with one scholarship offer going into his senior year to a first-round selection in the 2019 NBA Draft.
A photo Desert Vista 2014-15 team that reached the state championship game. Late Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (No. 23, back, left) was a star on the team.
Brandon Clarke celebrating with Tony Darden and team after win at Desert Vista High.
Q&A
What was Brandon Clarke's impact on his high school basketball team?
Brandon Clarke played a pivotal role in his senior year at Desert Vista High, helping elevate the team's performance and showcasing his talent.
How did Brandon Clarke transition from high school to the NBA?
Brandon Clarke's journey to the NBA involved significant development during his time at Desert Vista High, where he gained recognition for his skills.
What were the circumstances surrounding Brandon Clarke's death?
Brandon Clarke passed away unexpectedly on May 11 at the age of 29, leaving a profound impact on those who knew him.
How is Brandon Clarke's legacy being honored by his coach?
Tony Darden hopes to keep Brandon Clarke's legacy alive through his son, emphasizing the inspiration Clarke provided during his life.
Related Articles
Sports
Rangers starterNathan Eovaldi feels good in bullpen 2 days after tightness that scratched start
Yahoo Sports·
Sports
Hansi Flick pleased with performance of Barcelona debutant in Alaves defeat
Yahoo Sports·
Sports
Spurs' Keldon Johnson explains why Dylan Harper will be a long-time NBA Playoffs threat
Yahoo Sports·
MLB·Recap
Diamondbacks at Rangers updates. Alek Thomas replacement stays at 9th
Ryan Waldschmidt remains in the 9th spot for the Diamondbacks against the Rangers.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Ex-Broncos wide receiver finds new NFL home ahead of 10th season
Tim Patrick signs with the New York Jets, starting his 10th NFL season.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA
NBPA releases player ratings of officials and no, Scott Foster isn't in the bottom tier
NBPA releases player ratings of NBA referees; Scott Foster avoids bottom tier.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Brandon Clarke (right) emerged as one of the state's top players his senior year at Desert Vista.
Tony Darden having a conversation with Desert Vista squad led by Brandon Clarke.
Brandon Clarke played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Brandon Clarke with Tony Darden and Darden's son.
Tony Darden coached Brandon Clarke his senior year at Desert Vista.
Tony Darden and Brandon Clarke sharing a moment.
Tony Darden's son, AJ, holding up an autographed Brandon Clarke card.
Tony Darden and Brandon Clarke at 2019 NBA Draft.
1 / 10
Desert Vista grad Brandon Clarke's high school coach shares memories
A photo Desert Vista 2014-15 team that reached the state championship game. Late Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (No. 23, back, left) was a star on the team.
1 / 10
Desert Vista grad Brandon Clarke's high school coach shares memories
A photo Desert Vista 2014-15 team that reached the state championship game. Late Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (No. 23, back, left) was a star on the team.
2 / 10
Desert Vista grad Brandon Clarke's high school coach shares memories
Brandon Clarke celebrating with Tony Darden and team after win at Desert Vista High.
3 / 10
Desert Vista grad Brandon Clarke's high school coach shares memories
Brandon Clarke (right) emerged as one of the state's top players his senior year at Desert Vista.
4 / 10
Desert Vista grad Brandon Clarke's high school coach shares memories
Tony Darden having a conversation with Desert Vista squad led by Brandon Clarke.
5 / 10
Desert Vista grad Brandon Clarke's high school coach shares memories
Brandon Clarke played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies.
6 / 10
Desert Vista grad Brandon Clarke's high school coach shares memories
Brandon Clarke with Tony Darden and Darden's son.
7 / 10
Desert Vista grad Brandon Clarke's high school coach shares memories
Tony Darden coached Brandon Clarke his senior year at Desert Vista.
8 / 10
Desert Vista grad Brandon Clarke's high school coach shares memories
Tony Darden and Brandon Clarke sharing a moment.
9 / 10
Desert Vista grad Brandon Clarke's high school coach shares memories
Tony Darden's son, AJ, holding up an autographed Brandon Clarke card.
10 / 10
Desert Vista grad Brandon Clarke's high school coach shares memories
Tony Darden and Brandon Clarke at 2019 NBA Draft.
âYou always have kids at some point that are talented and it's just a matter of them working hard enough for it to come to fruition,â Darden said. âJust to see it all come together for him, it was really rewarding. To be up there, you know, on draft night and be a part of that and just see the emotions from his parents, him and, it's just an amazing experience just to see that he made it.â
Clarke played all his seven NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies after starting his college career at San Jose State and ending it at Gonzaga.
âThere's a lot of people that doubted him that won't probably admit it at this point,â Darden added. âWe had our community, our tight knit community that always believed like, hey, you're gonna make it.â
Darden is saddened over the passing of Clarke just like everyone else who loved him, but Darden is thankful and proud to have been a major part of his life.
âI'm just very happy that he got to fulfill his dream of making it to the NBA,â Darden said. âA lot of kids don't make it for whatever reason, and he was able to do that and be an example for a lot of young kids.â
Memphis Grizzlies power forward Brandon Clarke (15) warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards at FedExForum.
Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a photo during media day at FedExForum on September 30, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) and Grizz talk on the bench during open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
Brandon Clarke speaks to the media ahead of the 2019 NBA Draft at the Grand Hyatt New York on June 19, 2019 in New York City.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) walks to the locker room before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on March 19, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.
Brandon Clarke reacts after being drafted with the 21st overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs goes in for a layup against the Universisty Of The Pacific Tigers during the first half of their NCAA basketball game at Alex G. Spanos Center on February 28, 2019 in Stockton, California.
Phoenix Suns forward Dario Saric (20) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) in the first half on Dec. 11, 2019 in Phoenix, Ariz.
No. 20 Brandon Clarke, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-7, G/F, Sr. | He has grown a couple of inches, and, under new coach Tony Darden, Clarke's game will open up more. Great in transition, Taylor is a beast on the boards and clutch in the paint with the ball in his hands. When the game gets bigger, Clarke's game elevates.
No. 4 Brandon Clarke, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-7, Sr.: This San Jose State signee has improved as much as any player in the state, showing off a great knack for blocking shots and putting up double-doubles for points and rebounds.
Brandon Clarke, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-7, Sr. | Make huge strides since his junior season under new coach Tony Darden. A high-flyer who might be a better defender than he is offensive player, and he can fill it up. He has had close to 10 triple doubles this season for points, rebounds and blocked shots.
Desert Vista senior forward Brandon Clarke blocks a shot from Perry senior Cody de Lavega at a Desert Vista High School home basketball game February 21, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Desert Vista senior forward Brandon Clarke celebrates with fans after they come onto the court after Desert Vista's win over Perry at a Desert Vista High School home basketball game February 21, 2015 in Chandler, Arizona.
Desert Vista senior forward Brandon Clarke celebrates with fans after they come onto the court after Desert Vista's win over Perry at a Desert Vista High School home basketball game February 21, 2015 in Chandler, Arizona.
1 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Memphis Grizzlies power forward Brandon Clarke (15) warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards at FedExForum.
1 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Memphis Grizzlies power forward Brandon Clarke (15) warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards at FedExForum.
2 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a photo during media day at FedExForum on September 30, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.
3 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke (15) and Grizz talk on the bench during open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.
4 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Brandon Clarke speaks to the media ahead of the 2019 NBA Draft at the Grand Hyatt New York on June 19, 2019 in New York City.
5 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) walks to the locker room before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on March 19, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.
6 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Brandon Clarke reacts after being drafted with the 21st overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
7 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs goes in for a layup against the Universisty Of The Pacific Tigers during the first half of their NCAA basketball game at Alex G. Spanos Center on February 28, 2019 in Stockton, California.
8 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Phoenix Suns forward Dario Saric (20) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) in the first half on Dec. 11, 2019 in Phoenix, Ariz.
9 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
No. 20 Brandon Clarke, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-7, G/F, Sr. | He has grown a couple of inches, and, under new coach Tony Darden, Clarke's game will open up more. Great in transition, Taylor is a beast on the boards and clutch in the paint with the ball in his hands. When the game gets bigger, Clarke's game elevates.
10 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
No. 4 Brandon Clarke, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-7, Sr.: This San Jose State signee has improved as much as any player in the state, showing off a great knack for blocking shots and putting up double-doubles for points and rebounds.
11 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Brandon Clarke, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-7, Sr. | Make huge strides since his junior season under new coach Tony Darden. A high-flyer who might be a better defender than he is offensive player, and he can fill it up. He has had close to 10 triple doubles this season for points, rebounds and blocked shots.
12 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Desert Vista senior forward Brandon Clarke blocks a shot from Perry senior Cody de Lavega at a Desert Vista High School home basketball game February 21, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona.
13 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Desert Vista senior forward Brandon Clarke celebrates with fans after they come onto the court after Desert Vista's win over Perry at a Desert Vista High School home basketball game February 21, 2015 in Chandler, Arizona.
14 / 14
Remembering Brandon Clarke, Desert Vista, Gonzaga and NBA player
Desert Vista senior forward Brandon Clarke celebrates with fans after they come onto the court after Desert Vista's win over Perry at a Desert Vista High School home basketball game February 21, 2015 in Chandler, Arizona.
Darden later added, "Please keep the family in your prayers."
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks posted on Instagram a message to Clarke. They were teammates with the Grizzlies and both are from Canada. Clarke was born in Vancouver while Brooks is from Mississauga.
âRest in peace my brother ... love you. You will always be remembered,â Brooks wrote, posting a picture of them together during a game.
ABC News reported May 12 that Clarke was found dead on May 11 from a possible drug overdose in a home in the San Fernando Valley, attributing the information to Los Angeles Police Department sources. Narcotics were found at the scene and there is no evidence of foul play, sources told ABC News.
