Tony Darden still remembers the moment he had to break the news to his 14-year-old son, AJ. It was a conversation no parent wants to have—telling his boy that his hero was gone.

Brandon Clarke, the Memphis Grizzlies forward who Darden coached during his senior year at Desert Vista High in 2014-15, passed away on May 11 at the age of 29.

"It's tough for him going through it right now," Darden shared in an emotional interview. "I've had to tell him about that, but it's a part of growing up. Hopefully, Brandon's legacy will live through my son now."

For Darden, Clarke's journey was nothing short of remarkable. Going into his senior season, Clarke was an unranked high school player with just one college scholarship offer. But Darden saw something special—a raw talent with an unstoppable work ethic. Under his guidance, Clarke blossomed into a star, leading Desert Vista to the state championship game and eventually becoming a first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

From those humble beginnings to seven seasons in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies, Clarke's rise is a testament to perseverance. For Darden and his son, the memories of that championship run and the bond they shared will forever be a part of their story.