Thursday, Mar. 19, 2009

USC-Aiken guard killed in car crash

Junior was driving home after USC Aiken’s appearance in D-II Sweet Sixteen

USC Aiken men’s basketball player Javonte Clanton was killed in a car accident in West Virginia on Wednesday after the team’s first appearance in the Division II Sweet Sixteen.

After USC Aiken lost to Augusta State in the NCAA tournament, Clanton left for his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. He reportedly fell asleep at the wheel.

“Our students, faculty, and staff are in mourning,” USC Aiken chancellor Tom Hallman said in a statement. “It’s a dark day on the USC Aiken campus, and our heartfelt thoughts are with Javonte’s family, friends, and fellow teammates.”

Clanton, a guard, was a transfer from Blinn (Texas) Junior College. Clanton was USC Aiken’s third-leading scorer at 11.6 points per game, starting 32 games for the team.

“We are still in a state of disbelief over this incredible loss,” Pacers coach Vince Alexander said in a statement. “Javonte was a very talented basketball player and he was beloved by all his teammates. Most importantly, Javonte was an outstanding individual and student. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Javonte. This is a tremendous loss to the USC Aiken community.”

Funeral arrangements are not yet set.

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