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'Giant among men' ... Tributes pour in for former FSU basketball player Ryan Reid

On3 imageby: Ira Schoffel07/12/25iraschoffel
On3 image
Former FSU men's basketball player Ryan Reid drives to the basket during his career with the Seminoles. (Courtesy of Florida State Sports Information)

Following the passing of former FSU men’s basketball player Ryan Reid, tributes have poured in from the NBA, the Florida State community and the South Florida high school program where he once starred.

Reid, who was just 38, died following a medical emergency on Wednesday. The Lauderdale Lakes native played for FSU from 2006-10 and was one of the central figures in Leonard Hamilton’s first two Seminole squads to reach the NCAA Tournament.

A 6-foot-8, 237-pound forward, he was known as a tremendous defender and hard-nosed competitor.

Reid came to Florida State as a four-star recruit and top-100 prospect nationally after starring at Boyd Anderson High. He helped lead the Seminoles to a combined 47-20 record over his junior and senior seasons.

Reid later was selected by the Oklahoma Thunder in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft. He would go on to play nearly a decade of professional basketball internationally, in countries such as France, Canada, Puerto Rico and Japan.

Here are some of the messages that were either shared with Warchant.com or posted on social media:

“Ryan made his mark on our organization during his time here through his authentic good nature and hard-working spirit, and it is truly tragic to have lost him at such a young age.  Over the years we had the great fortune of staying connected to him through his involvement with our Thunder Legacy Network. Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends.” — Oklahoma City Thunder statement, provided to Warchant

“Ryan was more than just a great basketball player — he was a great competitor, a trusted teammate, a natural leader, a devoted husband, and a loving father. He was a mountain of a man, both in stature and in spirit — always standing tall for the people he cared about. His personality filled every room, his sense of humor lifted every moment, and his presence made us all better — on and off the court. I’ll forever be grateful for the battles we shared, the laughs we had, and the memories we built together. You’ll be deeply missed, Ryan. Your legacy lives on through the lives you touched and the love you gave. No words make your passing easier, but your life will be celebrated by your friends, your family, and your fans.” — Luke Loucks, a former FSU teammate of Reid’s and the Seminoles’ current head coach

“It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic news of the passing of our beloved alumnus, Ryan Reid. A proud Cobra through and through, Ryan embodied the spirit, strength, and pride of Cobra Nation both on and off the field.

“To honor his legacy and the impact he made on our hearts and our halls, we will be retiring his jersey — a symbol of his excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication. Additionally, we are proud to announce that the first game of every season will now be known as the Ryan Reid Game, ensuring that his memory lives on with every snap, cheer, and chant that fills our stadium.

“Ryan may be gone, but his spirit will forever echo in the stands, in our hearts, and in everything that makes Cobra Nation a family. Rest in Power, Ryan. You will never be forgotten.” — James F. Griffin, principal of Boyd Anderson High School

“Giant among men. Brought joy to every room he walked into. Watching him become the husband and father he was meant to be was everything. Reid knew something most people miss: presence is power. He showed up fully. Made everyone around him feel like they mattered.

“The grief we’re carrying is proportional to the man he was. That’s not getting smaller anytime soon. And it shouldn’t. His legacy isn’t in what he accomplished. It’s in how he made people feel. That doesn’t die with him.” — Adrian Crawford, Former FSU basketball player and current analyst on the Seminole Sports Network

“I am totally stunned and without words!!! Ryan was one of my former high school basketball players at Boyd Anderson High. Remarkable young man! I just spoke with him a few months ago. My thoughts and prayers are with his family!” — Wylie Howard Jr., former Boyd Anderson High coach

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