Drew Gordon

Drew Edward Gordon (July 12, 1990 – May 30, 2024) was an American professional basketball power forward.

Gordon began his college basketball career with the UCLA Bruins, then transferred during his sophomore year to the New Mexico Lobos. Gordon garnered a number of accolades for his play as the starting center for the Lobos, giving New Mexico a dominating inside presence. He was the older brother of Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon.

Early life

Gordon attended Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California, as a four-year varsity letterwinner and three-time All-West Catholic Athletic League first team selection who led the Monarchs to three West Catholic Athletic League championships.

During his freshman year in 2004–05, Gordon posted 9.5 points per game, 9.2 rebound per game, 1.0 assists per game, 3.0 steals per game and 4.5 blocks per game and earned CIF Central Coast Section Freshman of the Year honors, All-WCAL first-team selection and All-CCS second-team honoree.

As a sophomore in 2005–06, Gordon averaged 14.7 points per game, 10.1 rebound per game, 1.7 assists per game, 2.4 steals per game and 3.9 blocks per game as he was named the 2006 Cal State Sophomore Player of the Year, All-California Interscholastic Federation third team, All-Northern California first team, All-Central Coast Section first team and All-WCAL first team selection.

In his junior campaign, Gordon registered 15.1 points per game, 10.4 rebound per game, 2.4 assists per game, 2.3 steals per game and 4.1 blocks per game, as he shot 63.8% from the floor, 50.0% from three-point range and 70.2% from the line and led 26–9 Archbishop Mitty to number 9 in USA Today's polls for the West Regional. Again, Gordon racked up honors, being named both 2007 San Jose Mercury News Player of the Year as well as the 2007 Cal-Hi Sports Athlete of the Year. In addition, Gordon was also named second-team EA Sports 2007 All-American, and a 2007 All-California State first-team selection.

During his senior year, Gordon notched 17.5 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game in eleven games before being sidelined by an ankle injury. However, that injury had minimal impact on his season and the recognition accrued therein as he was not only invited to play in the 2008 Jordan Brand Classic, but was also named a 2008 member of Long Beach Press-Telegram's Best in the West first team as well as the 2007–08 Les Schwab Invitational most valuable player.

Personal life

Gordon was married and had three children. He died in a car collision involving two vehicles in Clackamas County, Oregon, on May 30, 2024, at the age of 33.