Tulane University basketball player Gregg Glenn III died over the weekend in what school officials described as a tragic accident. The 22-year-old senior forward from Pompano Beach, Florida, was set to begin his third season with the Green Wave after transferring from the University of Michigan.

Glenn died Sunday in a drowning incident off the coast of Miami while swimming with a friend, according to sources familiar with the situation. On Monday morning, the university communicated his passing to the Tulane community in a message from Sarah Cunningham, the Vice President for Student Affairs. Cunningham, as well as Head Coach Ron Hunter, remembered Glenn as a gifted student-athlete whose enthusiasm, commitment, and passion for both academics and athletics had a positive impact on those around him. Cunningham pointed out that Glenn excelled as a member of the men’s basketball team and was someone who lifted the spirits of everyone around him. She remarked that his pursuit of excellence served as an inspiration to people throughout the university. “He will forever remain a part of our university family,” she stated in her letter to the community.

The 6-foot-7 forward played a crucial role for Tulane last season, starting all 34 games and averaging 10.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He shot 49.8 percent from the field and contributed 3.1 assists per game, ranking second on the team in both rebounds and assists. Glenn scored in double figures 21 times during the season and recorded three double-doubles.

Glenn’s season ended strong with eight consecutive games scoring in double figures. He achieved a career-high 22 points against Tulsa on March 1 and recorded a career-best 11 assists against Florida Atlantic on January 15. The forward was selected to the American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll twice during the season.

Glenn originally signed with Michigan as a four-star recruit out of Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale. He was rated as the 90th overall prospect nationally by 247Sports. After playing only four games for the Wolverines during the 2022-23 season as a freshman, Glenn transferred to Tulane.

During his first season with the Green Wave in 2023-24, Glenn appeared in 30 of 31 games, averaging 3.6 points and 2.6 rebounds in 9.7 minutes per game while playing behind versatile forward Kevin Cross. He recorded a season-high 15 points and nine rebounds against Northwestern State.

Glenn’s basketball achievements extended beyond college. He played a key role in helping Team USA secure the gold medal at the 2019 FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Brazil and earned Florida Association of Basketball Coaches All-State honors three times during his high school years.

University officials described Glenn as someone with an infectious personality, positive energy and kindness who brightened every room he entered. The oldest of his siblings, Glenn was majoring in Health and Wellness and was well known in the South Florida area for his basketball prowess.

Glenn was frequently allowed to bring the ball up court during games, showcasing his versatility as a 6-foot-7 ball-handler and passer. Last season, he was second on the team in assists with 106, behind point guard Rowan Brumbaugh. Glenn has shared that helping his teammates succeed is his greatest joy, describing it as the best feeling he could have.

For the second consecutive year, Glenn chose not to enter the transfer portal, joining Brumbaugh and senior guard Asher Woods as returning starters. The team had added five transfers in pursuit of an NCAA tournament bid. Glenn was anticipated to be a key contributor for the Green Wave this season as the team aimed to build on their narrow one-point defeat to Memphis, the American Conference champions, in the league tournament semifinals last March.

Glenn was recognizable on the court for his distinctive spiky hair that rose well above his head, which he said reflected his relaxed personality and Florida origins.

The university has made mental health resources available to students and employees following the announcement of Glenn’s death.