Multiple outlets reported earlier this week that former Texas men’s basketball standout Jason Klatz has died. Klotz was 44 years old.
Klotz was a memorable player on former head coach Rick Barnes teams. In his five seasons in a burnt orange jersey from 2000 to 2005, Klotz played at center for the Longhorns. Texas men’s basketball also qualified for the NCAA Tournament in each of those five seasons under Barnes: three consecutive Sweet 16 appearances and a Final Four appearance (back in 2003). Over that span, Klotz saw playing time in 12 NCAA Tournament matchups, which is tied for the most in Longhorns men’s basketball history.
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Klotz logged seven minutes and scored one point in Texas’ Final Four loss to Syracuse.
He saw playing time or started in 131 games during that span, including 27 starts.
He averaged 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 17 minutes per game, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Prior to his college career, Klotz was a star at Klein High School in Houston.
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Houston Chronicle: Former Klein Forest, Texas basketball player Jason Klotz dead at 44
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Can’t wait to see more of this.
