It has been 24 hours since the European basketball community was stunned into silence and grief and even at this present moment that fraternity is still shaken.
The 6’11” Danish prospect and possible 2016 NBA Draft candidate Rasmus Larsen was found dead by Spirou Charleroi team officials on Wednesday morning at his home in Belgium at the age of 20 and for the majority of basketball players, writers and especially the fans of Spirou and old club Bruixa d’Or in the Liga Endesa, the unexpected news is still taking time to sink in.
What’s worse is, the mystery surrounding this tragic turn of events is that Larsen’s cause of death is still unknown.
Either way, the basketball world has lost a bright, enthusiastic young talent.
Larsen was averaging more than five points and two rebounds in just over 12 minutes per contest for the Belgian side.
He was also impressive as a junior player in Denmark, so much so that legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils attempted to bring him to Durham, North Carolina.
But that opportunity; unfortunately will never occur. However, Larsen’s brother Jacob will keep the family flag waving as he is expected to represent Duke in 2016.
Jacob though, right now is in mourning – we all are. Duke, for him is a million miles away; seemingly everything is distant for him and the rest of the Larsen family.
But for them, the best and correct way to honour the youngster’s memory can be instant and heartfelt. Friday sees the Final Four begin in Madrid and the teams, players and representatives of Euroleague Basketball need to let the family and the basketball community know that Larsen will be remembered and sorely missed.
He might not have competed in the Euroleague, but he is still a member of the world wide basketball family.
Rest in peace, Rasmus. The basketball world will never forget you.
