Pitt basketball great Demetrius Gore died over the weekend, according to multiple media reports.
Michigan’s Mr. Basketball in 1984, Gore was part of a Pitt class that made the NCAA Tournament in three of four years, and was ranked No. 2 during the 1987-88 season before a second-round tournament loss to Vanderbilt.
In four seasons at Pitt from 1984-88, Gore scored 1,555 points, which still rank 16th all-time in program history. He also grabbed 394 rebounds and handed out 300 assists in his career. He remains eighth in Pitt history with 112 games started, and his 97 consecutive games started streak from Feb 1985 to March 1988 is the sixth-longest such streak in Pitt history.
Gore is also ninth in program history with 122 career field goals made and 10th in free throw percentage, hitting 79% from the stripe. In 1986, Gore was named a third-team All-Big East selection when he led the Panthers with 466 points and 42 steals.
After his Pitt career, Gore was drafted in the fourth round of the 1988 CBA Draft by Tulsa.
Gore had remained active with Pitt basketball alumni and attended the inaugural gathering of the Pittsburgh Basketball Alumni Business Network, founded by former teammate Charles Smith, in October 2019.
Rest In Peace
Sad to hear. He was an integral part of a Pitt team that may have been the best in our history. Had we beaten Vandy, we have gone all the way. He embodied what Pitt bball was all about. May he rest in peace!
Paul Evans ruined D’s senior year by making him play while injured. Will never forgive him for putting his own interests ahead a any player.
I will remember that smile forever. Stay sweet Meech. Love your lil Pgh Mom.