PHOENIX – The basketball world was hurting on Tuesday morning as Memphis Grizzlies star and former Desert Vista star Brandon Clarke passed away at 29 years old.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Desert Vista’s Brandon Clarke (23) dunks in front of Mountain View’s Trevin Crider (54) in the first half at GCU Arena in Phoenix, AZ on February 28, 2015. © Patrick Breen/The Republic via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Desert Vista star Brandon Clarke passes away at 29:
Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies has died at 29 years old. RIP.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 12, 2026
Long before he became a long-time favorite with the Memphis Grizzlies, Clarke was the athletic kid dominating gyms at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix. He was never the loudest star in Arizona basketball, but people around the Valley remember how impossible he was to ignore once the game started. His energy changed everything on the floor, and that became the defining trait of his career.
Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke (15) walks onto the court for open practice at the FedExForum on October 4, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. © Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Clarke took an unconventional path to the NBA, beginning at San Jose State before exploding nationally at Gonzaga and eventually becoming the 21st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He spent seven seasons in Memphis, carving out a role through defense, hustle, rebounding, and relentless effort rather than superstar headlines.
Mar 17, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke (15) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
For Desert Vista, for Arizona high school hoops, and for people who watched him grow from local prospect into NBA veteran, Brandon Clarke will be remembered around Arizona and in NBA fans’ hearts.
Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke (15) runs on the court as he is introduced during open practice at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., on Sunday, October 6, 2024. © Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
