DURHAM, N.C. — A former Georgia high school basketball standout died Friday days after he reportedly collapsed during a pick-up game at his university.
Devin Butts grew up in Macon and played college basketball at North Carolina Central University. Butts was on track to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral and Social Sciences this summer.
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The school confirmed the 22-year-old died on Friday.
“We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Devin. This is a devastating tragedy for our team, fans, and the entire NCCU community,” men’s basketball head coach LeVelle Moton said. “Devin will always be remembered as an incredible teammate that had an infectious smile at all times. Our heartfelt condolences are with his family and those who were blessed to know him.”
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The News & Observer in Raleigh spoke with NCCU athletic director, who confirmed that Butts collapsed earlier in the week at the campus gym.
“It’s just so hard for me to even come to grips with right now,” Louis Perkins told the newspaper. “Just playing basketball and fall out.”
His cause of death or what caused him to collapse have not been determined.
Butts attended Stratford Academy in Macon, where 247sports.com listed him as a 3-star prospect. He committed to playing at Mississippi State before he transferred to Louisiana-Lafayette, New Mexico Junior College and finally NCCU.
He averaged 5.4 points in 17 games for the Eagles last season. His biggest performance came in the MEAC Championship quarterfinals with five 3-pointers in a win over Delaware State.
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