The Knoxville AAU basketball team has just signed two players to replace the two loss ones.

The Knoxville AAU basketball team has just signed two players to replace the two loss ones.

Knoxville, TN — In a swift move to stabilize their roster and honor the legacy of two teammates lost under tragic circumstances, the Knoxville AAU basketball team has officially signed two new players this week. The signings come just over a week after the untimely passing of guards Marcus Delaney and Treyvon Wells, whose sudden deaths rocked the youth basketball community across East Tennessee.

Head coach Darren Mitchell made the announcement Tuesday afternoon, introducing the new signees as 17-year-old combo guard Kaleb Ricks from Chattanooga and 16-year-old forward Isaiah Clarke from Atlanta.

“These signings aren’t just about basketball,” Coach Mitchell said. “They’re about rebuilding our foundation, honoring those we lost, and continuing with the same heart, energy, and love for the game that Marcus and Treyvon brought every single day.”

A Time of Transition

The Knoxville team — a regional powerhouse in the AAU circuit — had been struggling emotionally since the car crash that claimed the lives of Delaney and Wells on April 17th. Both players were returning from a team workout when their vehicle was struck by a speeding driver who ran a red light. The incident is still under investigation, and memorial services for the players were held just days ago.

“Marcus and Trey weren’t just players, they were family,” said team captain Jalen Moore. “We still feel the weight of that loss. But bringing in Kaleb and Isaiah — it’s like adding new brothers to carry on the mission.”

Meet the Newcomers

Kaleb Ricks, a standout from East Brainerd High, is known for his aggressive playmaking and ability to command the floor. Ranked among the top guards in Tennessee’s 2025 class, Ricks said joining Knoxville AAU is “an honor” and a chance to “play for something bigger than myself.”

Isaiah Clarke, originally from the Atlanta AAU circuit, offers size and versatility. Standing 6’6” and capable of playing inside and out, Clarke recently relocated to Knoxville with his family and said he’s ready to “bring heart and hustle every time I suit up.”

Both players are expected to join the team for its upcoming regional tournament in Nashville.

Healing Through the Game

While basketball resumes, the mood around the program remains somber yet hopeful. Coaches are working closely with grief counselors, and each practice begins with a moment of silence in memory of Marcus and Treyvon.

“Their jerseys will hang in the gym all season,” said Coach Mitchell. “And every time we step on that court, we’re playing for them.”

A tribute ceremony is planned before the team’s first game with the new lineup this weekend. Family members of the late players are expected to attend.

As the Knoxville AAU team turns the page on a painful chapter, the additions of Kaleb Ricks and Isaiah Clarke mark more than just a return to basketball — they symbolize resilience, brotherhood, and the strength of a community that refuses to give up.