Dai-Jon Parker, Former Vanderbilt Basketball Player, Dies at Age 22

Dai-Jon Parker, who spent three seasons as a guard on the University of Vanderbilt men's basketball team, died Thursday night at the age of 22 after drowning.

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native was reportedly taken underwater by a wave while being pulled in an inner tube behind a pontoon boat in Hamilton County, Indiana, according to Gary Parrish of CBSSports.com and Michael Anthony Adams and Madeline Buckley of the Indianapolis Star.

Parker transferred from Vandy to the University of Indianapolis following the 2013-14 season. Commodores head coach Kevin Stallings spoke highly of the young athlete, per VUCommodores.com:

"

We are extremely saddened with the news of Dai-Jon's death. Everyone who watched him play basketball knew what kind of athlete he was. But, to those of us who knew him and loved him, he was as good and happy of a person as you would ever meet. He always had a smile on his face and I will always remember him for that smile and the positive spirit he had. We send our deepest condolences and prayers to his family, friends, and others who were lucky enough to have met him. The Vanderbilt basketball family will miss him.

"

Vanderbilt men's basketball assistant coach Tom Richardson echoed Stallings' sentiments:

Parker was a key player for the Commodores in both the 2012-13 and the 2013-14 seasons, as he served primarily in a starting role. His best campaign came in his junior season, when he averaged 8.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.