EAST LANSING - Annually one of the most popular competitions on the summer basketball circuit, the Izzo Team Shootout suffered an unspeakable tragedy when Dorian Dawkins, the 8th grade son of Saginaw head coach Lou Dawkins suffered a medical emergency and died after collapsing during a game.
Dawkins was immediately attended to by a trainer and nurse on hand at the event and was transferred to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing where he died.
“The loss of a young life is an unimaginable tragedy," said MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis.
"The entire MSU Athletics family offers its condolences and any needed support to the Dawkins family and the Saginaw team as they deal with the pain of losing Dorian. We greatly appreciate the immediate responses by the assigned MSU certified trainer at the scene and a nurse in attendance, and the expeditious transfer of Dorian to Sparrow. Our deep sadness is compounded by Dorian’s death despite their response.”
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo was distraught over the tragedy and spent much of the last few evenings with Dawkins and his family.
Yesterday, Izzo issued a statement saying “As a coach and even more so as a parent, I grieve, pray, and suffer with the Dawkins family, and the many people in Saginaw and beyond who mourn the passing of a wonderful young man, Dorian Dawkins.
"This tragedy calls us to come together to support Lou, Tish, and their family, and to celebrate the life of a beloved son, brother, and teammate.
Athletic competition can sometimes divide people, and we in the arena of top-level athletics face constant challenges to focusing on the right priorities in life.
The hours I spent last night with the Dawkins family have reminded me in a dramatic way that, like in coaching, the ‘basics’ are ultimately what it’s all about.”
Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon also released a statement on the tragedy.
“The MSU community is united with the Dawkins family, the people of Saginaw, and the young people at the Team Shootout held on our campus as we all grieve this tragic loss. We have made available to those participating in the Shootout the counseling resources at MSU. Our thoughts and support are with all touched by this sad loss.”
Mike Fowler, Sean Scherer and the entire Scout.com family join coach Izzo in mourning the loss of Dorian Dawkins and send our deepest condolances to the Dawkins family at this most difficult time.