The White River Tigers Boys Basketball community was shaken by the sudden and heartbreaking loss of former player Teron Sazue.
In a statement, the team expressed their condolences, saying:
“We are saddened by the sudden and heartbreaking loss of one of our former Tigers, Teron Sazue. Our Tiger’s basketball family sends our deepest condolences and prayers to Teron’s family and loved ones.”
For those who knew Teron personally, his passing was more than just the loss of a talented athlete.
One friend reflected on Teron’s journey from a shy, chubby kid with a basketball to the confident player he became:
“I watched him hoop from the time he was a little butterball, before his voice changed. From White River to Crow Creek to UTTC… If you can’t shed a tear over the loss of this kid, there is something wrong with you. His mother raised him right. He deserved a long life.”
Another close friend shared how their bond grew:
“I met Teron my first week at Haskell. At first, it was just getting food together and running errands, but soon he treated me like a little brother. I’ll miss you, man. You’ll forever be with me as I walk this earth.”
From Fort Thompson To College Basketball
Born and raised in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, Teron attended Crow Creek High School, where he excelled in both basketball and football.
His senior year was full of promise; his basketball team qualified for the state tournament, and he played a key role in the All-Nations Championship football team.
In the summer of 2020, he began the next chapter of his life as a student and basketball player at United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) in Bismarck.
But like many young athletes adjusting to college life, Teron faced challenges off the court.
Teron admitted that his first year at UTTC was harder than he expected.
The sudden freedom of college life led him down a path of partying and drinking, and his academics suffered.
His weight climbed to 260 pounds, and his athletic performance declined.
Things came to a head in December 2020, when he was involved in a car accident while intoxicated.
Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the incident was a wake-up call. The experience pushed him into deep reflection, and eventually into the realization that he needed help.
It was during a heartfelt conversation with his mother, Maria Provost, that Teron acknowledged his struggles.
He sought professional help and was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.
Counseling and medication became key parts of his recovery process, and he began making lifestyle changes to regain control of his life.
Determined to turn things around, Teron committed himself to training and eating better.
He dropped 50 pounds, improved his vertical leap by nearly 10 inches, and transformed his playing style, becoming faster and more versatile on the court.
By the time he was ready to return to UTTC, he was in peak condition, eager to play alongside talented teammates.
Lessons And Legacy
Teron often spoke about his experiences to inspire other young athletes, especially those from his community who faced similar struggles.
His advice was simple yet powerful:
“Stay humble, stay disciplined, and grind like there is no tomorrow.”
He wanted others to know that it was okay to ask for help and that struggles didn’t define a person’s future.
Teron’s passing has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew him.
Whether on the basketball court, in the gym, or simply as a friend, he left an impact that will not fade.
