Former University of North Texas basketball player Kedrick Hogans has died at the age of 37, confirmed by athletic program officials on Tuesday. This is just devastating news for anyone who followed the Mean Green, and honestly, for anyone who knows the impact a player like Hogans could have.
The Defender Who Made The Mean Green A Threat
Hogans, a New Orleans native, spent five years with the North Texas program, playing four seasons from 2007-12. He wasn’t just another guy on the roster, though. This 6-foot-7 forward was a three-year starter and a go-to player for former North Texas head coach Johnny Jones, who coached Hogans for his entire tenure and spoke with the family to confirm the details. Hogans was a lockdown defender and a slasher, routinely guarding bigger players, and he is still considered one of the best shot blockers in program history. He was a key part of a Mean Green basketball program that was really building something, starting its rise as a Sun Belt Conference powerhouse. Yeah, he missed the entire 2009-10 season after surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder, but when he was healthy, he was absolutely clutch.
More Than Just Basketball: The Impact He Left Behind
The tributes pouring in tell you everything about the kind of person Kedrick was. Coach Jones, now an assistant at LSU, posted on social media Tuesday, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of one of my former players at the University of North Texas, Kedrick Hogans. He played a tremendous role in the success we enjoyed at UNT, but more importantly, he made a lasting impact on the lives of those around him through his character, kindness, and spirit.” You hear that? Character, kindness, spirit. His former teammate Alonzo Edwards echoed that sentiment on social media, too, saying, “We use to fight all the time…but we always knew we had each others back. Much love fam. This one hurts…. You will be missed!” It’s clear Hogans left a mark far beyond the court. After his college days, he went back home to New Orleans, serving as an educator and coach at KIPP Central City Academy, helping the next generation. He was even a pivotal part of a state championship run for his historic Edna Karr High School program, earning Louisiana All-State honors back in the day.
This is a tough one, man. While details of Hogans’ death haven’t been confirmed by the university, with the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office not yet responding as of Tuesday morning, the impact of his life is already clear. Let’s make sure we remember Kedrick Hogans for that incredible character, kindness, and spirit, and for everything he brought to the game and to his community.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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