Karim Sameh Azab, a Memphis basketball player, has died at 22 after losing his battle with leukemia, the school said on Thursday.
Azab announced in April that he had been diagnosed with leukemia. Former Memphis head coach Tubby Smith said that Azab began complaining about shoulder pain entering the team’s conference tournament. The 6-foot-11 forward later was diagnosed with the disease.
“It is with great sadness and personal heartache that we mourn the passing of Karim Azab,” Memphis athletic director Tom Bowen said in a news release. “Karim was a wonderful young man who was excited to be a part of the University of Memphis and Tiger basketball. My prayers and thoughts go out to Karim’s parents and family.”
Azab did not play as a freshman due to eligibility issues after coming to the US from Egypt. He appeared in 15 games last season for Memphis.
