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Grand Canyon University Athletics
GCU mourns passing of Oscar Frayer
3/25/2021 6:15:00 PM | General, Men's Basketball, Paul Coro
Beloved basketball star, sister among 3 fatalities in California crash
Grand Canyon University basketball standout and graduate Oscar Frayer, his older sister Andrea Moore and a friend died early Tuesday in a vehicle crash near Lodi, California.
Frayer, 23, was among the most accomplished players in Lopes basketball history and one of the most well-liked students on the GCU campus. The Oakland, California, native graduated with a degree in Communications and was set to walk at GCU commencement next month.
"We love O," GCU head coach Bryce Drew said. "He was the heartbeat of our team with his vibrant, energetic personality. I cannot put into words the hurt and sadness we all feel, but we know he is in heaven and that gives us great joy to know we will be together again."
Frayer made his 107th career start, the third most in GCU's Division I era, for the Lopes' first NCAA tournament appearance on Saturday in Indianapolis.
After the game, Frayer tweeted, "I bleed purple FOREVER!!!! THANK YOU LOPE NATION for the last 5 years..it's been nothing less than amazing..from President Mueller, to our coaching staff, to my brothers who I compete with everyday..it's love FOREVER. 4 Gone"
The former All-WAC Defensive Team honoree holds the Lopes' Division I-era record for career blocked shots with 93. Frayer also ranks fourth for career points (970) and 3-pointers made (144) while coming within one swipe of the career steals record.
With three double-double performances as a Lope, Frayer delivered some of his best performances in GCU's biggest games.
As a freshman, the 6-foot-6 swingman posted 19 points and six rebounds when the Lopes upset San Diego State. He scored a career-high 23 points and added 10 rebounds at New Mexico State as a sophomore, when he also grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds in a 2018 WAC Tournament game. He averaged 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks over his career and made 35% of his 3-pointers over his last three seasons.
GCU won 65% of its games with Frayer on the roster, going 81-44 in his four seasons.
"On the court, Oscar was known as the "High Flyer" and will be remembered for his soaring dunks, tenacious defense and game-changing blocked shots," a University statement read. "Off the court, he will be remembered for his infectious smile, energetic spirit and caring soul that made him one of the most well-liked students on campus."
The third person who died in the crash has not been identified yet by the San Joaquin County Coroner's Office.
Frayer's comeback for this season was featured in a December article.
GCU teammates' dedications to Frayer:
Frayer, 23, was among the most accomplished players in Lopes basketball history and one of the most well-liked students on the GCU campus. The Oakland, California, native graduated with a degree in Communications and was set to walk at GCU commencement next month.
"We love O," GCU head coach Bryce Drew said. "He was the heartbeat of our team with his vibrant, energetic personality. I cannot put into words the hurt and sadness we all feel, but we know he is in heaven and that gives us great joy to know we will be together again."
Frayer made his 107th career start, the third most in GCU's Division I era, for the Lopes' first NCAA tournament appearance on Saturday in Indianapolis.
After the game, Frayer tweeted, "I bleed purple FOREVER!!!! THANK YOU LOPE NATION for the last 5 years..it's been nothing less than amazing..from President Mueller, to our coaching staff, to my brothers who I compete with everyday..it's love FOREVER. 4 Gone"
The former All-WAC Defensive Team honoree holds the Lopes' Division I-era record for career blocked shots with 93. Frayer also ranks fourth for career points (970) and 3-pointers made (144) while coming within one swipe of the career steals record.
With three double-double performances as a Lope, Frayer delivered some of his best performances in GCU's biggest games.As a freshman, the 6-foot-6 swingman posted 19 points and six rebounds when the Lopes upset San Diego State. He scored a career-high 23 points and added 10 rebounds at New Mexico State as a sophomore, when he also grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds in a 2018 WAC Tournament game. He averaged 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks over his career and made 35% of his 3-pointers over his last three seasons.
GCU won 65% of its games with Frayer on the roster, going 81-44 in his four seasons.
"On the court, Oscar was known as the "High Flyer" and will be remembered for his soaring dunks, tenacious defense and game-changing blocked shots," a University statement read. "Off the court, he will be remembered for his infectious smile, energetic spirit and caring soul that made him one of the most well-liked students on campus."
The third person who died in the crash has not been identified yet by the San Joaquin County Coroner's Office.
Frayer's comeback for this season was featured in a December article.
GCU teammates' dedications to Frayer:
- Casey Benson (Twitter): "Man, I'm at a loss for words and just in shock. Just watched you play a couple days ago and now you're gone. You were one-of-a-kind and one of the most upbeat and energetic people I've ever been around. Could put a smile on anyone's face. Love you, O."
- Isiah Brown (Twitter): "the smile that lit up the room. your energy lives on forever brother. 'love you gang' !!!"
- Shaq Carr (Twitter): "ou Forever With Me And I'll Never Let You Go Brother I Love You ODawg"
- Mikey Dixon (Instagram): "I never thought the tournament would have been my last days with you brother. U was rockin with me right or wrong no matter the situation. I'll never forget all them talks we had bro. I just wish u would pick up the phone gang."
- Michael Finke (Twitter): "Your smile was contagious. You lit up the room without even trying. You will be missed brother. Fly high, 4."
- Alessandro Lever (Instagram): "This really hurts brother! We all love you and miss you brother #RIP"
- Liam Lloyd (Twitter): "Someone who been a big brother to me for the whole past year. Someone who is truly one of my brothers and someone I consider family. Fly high O, your name will not be forgotten."
- Gabe McGlothan (Instagram): "The memories that you have created for everyone on this team are ones that we will all carry so close to our hearts. The impact you had... I don't even think you realized. The way you spoke; The way you embodied brotherhood, family; and the way you chased the faith; it had shined into everyone's heart."
- Gerard Martin (Twitter): "Life is so precious... one of my all time favourite teammates. Love you O"
- Sean Miller-Moore (Twitter): "Special human being...blood couldn't make us any closer"
- Damari Milstead (Instagram): "You believed in me in a way that i never believed in myself. You looked over me when i was the new kid on the block in high school and in college. Your loyalty was unmatched and never will be replicated. You were a hometown hero, defeating the odds and making a name for yourself."
- Bryce Okpoh (Instagram): "Till we meet again O, love you family"
- DeWayne Russell (Twitter): "4!! Love you brotha. This one killin me."
- Rashad Smith (Instagram): "I will never forget how far you've come as a person and to help your brothers with anything and be the big brother that we all needed, forever in our hearts. Fly high brother Love you"
- Jayden Stone (Twitter): "Words won't do justice for the impact you had....never forgotten #4"
- Keonta Vernon (Twitter): "Until we meet again foo! Ima miss you brother!! #RestEasy4"
Our Lopes family is devastated and heartbroken by the passing of @GCU_MBB student-athlete Oscar Frayer. pic.twitter.com/FEJtNdYrt1
— GCU Lopes (@GCU_Lopes) March 26, 2021
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