Texas Basketball Mourns Loss of Alum Jason Klotz at 44

Jason Klotz, a notable figure in Texas men's basketball history, has reportedly died at the age of 44. Klotz played for the Longhorns from 2000 to 2005 under head coach Rick Barnes, making a significant impact during his time with the team.

During his five seasons, Klotz was part of a squad that qualified for the NCAA Tournament each year, achieving three consecutive Sweet 16 appearances and a Final Four run in 2003. He participated in 12 NCAA Tournament games, which ties him for the most in the program's history.

Klotz, who played as a center, logged a total of 131 games, including 27 starts, and averaged 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 17 minutes per game. His contributions included a brief appearance in the Final Four loss to Syracuse, where he scored one point in seven minutes of play.

Before joining the Longhorns, Klotz was a standout player at Klein High School in Houston, Texas. His legacy continues to resonate with fans and former teammates, as the basketball community remembers his contributions to the program.