:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67170207/625634972.jpg.5.jpg)
Former Florida State basketball player Michael Ojo has passed away at the age of 27.
Forever a Seminole pic.twitter.com/2ApaWqO5lF
— FSU Hoops (@FSUHoops) August 8, 2020
RIP Michael pic.twitter.com/jFwObMU7DZ
— FSU Hoops (@FSUHoops) August 7, 2020
From Eurohoops.net:
According to Eurohoops sources, Ojo was having an individual practice with Partizan and the collapse happened while he was running. There have been no signs of Ojo having any health issues throughout his tenure in Serbia including any heart conditions.
Multiple reports from Serbia state that the big man was brought to the hospital from Partizan’s stadium but he was showing no signs of life and the doctors weren’t able to reanimate him.
After five years at Florida State, Ojo started off his professional career in Belgrade, Serbia with FMP for a year after which he played a season for Crvena Zvezda. He won the 2018 ABA SuperCup as well as the ABA League and the Serbian League in 2019. Ojo was a free agent this summer.
Ojo spent five years at Florida State and, under the tutelage of Leonard Hamilton, Stand Jones & Co., emerged as a tremendous college player, earning a master’s degree from the university in the process. Greater than this, Ojo was renown amongst fans, students, teammates, and coaches as truly a wonderful person.
Michael Ojo was larger than life. He’ll forever be missed.
— ACC Men's Basketball (@accmbb) August 7, 2020
❤️ pic.twitter.com/h4CnINGc4e
We’ll add various thoughts of others that knew him here. Feel free to share your own in the comments.
— Trent Forrest (@TForrest_11) August 7, 2020
This definitely a tough one man.. One of the best dudes I done came across. Was the first to welcome me to fsu and was nothing short of a big brother my freshman year and even after.. it’s crazy to think we was just talking about life last week.. Gone miss ya fasho O!! ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/fWJGzkaV29
— Trent Forrest (@TForrest_11) August 7, 2020
The FSU family is heartbroken by the passing of Michael Ojo. We’ll always remember him as a kind, compassionate person and a committed student-athlete. I’ll never forget the big hug we shared when he walked across the stage at commencement. We will miss him. pic.twitter.com/45P8blWwZD
— President John Thrasher (@FSUPresThrasher) August 7, 2020
Man this really hit for me man the OG he wanted nothing but the best for everybody. A guy I had the nerve to almost fight, but it made him respect me more cause he knew I wanted to win, great people like you don’t deserve this big fella love you bro, rest easy!!! pic.twitter.com/dEqZq4TvPy
— 8God™ (@BaconDwayne1000) August 7, 2020
Been trying to think of a good story that helps illustrate who Michael Ojo was, but nothing seems adequate. I don’t think there’s ever been a kinder, friendlier athlete to come through FSU. He had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor, too. He’ll be missed.
— Tim Linafelt / FSU (@Tim_Linafelt) August 7, 2020
I got one for you. He and the team are walking in a parade, maybe Homecoming, don’t specifically recall. Me, Caressa and one of the little guys are standing to the side. He comes over and picks up little dude, whirls him around (gently), makes him laugh, and then carries on. RIP
— Chris Nee (@CNee247) August 7, 2020
Ojo also had incredibly large and unique feet that required Nike to *create an entirely new last* to design his sneakers when he was at FSU. His feet were so extraordinary that Nike’s shoe engineers still have the last on display for tours of their lab. pic.twitter.com/vAmhvahoMS
— Jeff Greer (@jeffgreer) August 7, 2020
This was a Q&A I did with Michael Ojo during his senior season at FSU. I swear when I left that interview, I thought, "This guy has a chance to change the world." I honestly figured he would go on to be a world leader. https://t.co/OJ418wpszF
— Ira Schoffel (@IraSchoffel) August 7, 2020
Michael Ojo. Rest in Peace my good friend. You brought joy to all of us in the Seminole family. Thank you for your great work in class and on the court. Thank you for being so good to your fellow classmates. This one has knocked the wind out of me, friends.
— Mark Zeigler (@fsuzeigler) August 7, 2020
I can’t believe it Big O. One of my closest friends at FSU. You made everyone smile! Rip. pic.twitter.com/cIjAK7lz4N
— Bobby Suarez (@BigShotBob90) August 7, 2020