Kara Braxton, a former WNBA star, has tragically passed away at the age of 43. Reports confirm she was involved in a car accident in Atlanta over the weekend. Despite the tragic nature of her death, details about the accident remain unclear.
Kara Braxton’s Basketball Legacy
Known for her remarkable skills, Braxton is regarded as one of Oregon’s top high school basketball players. In 2017, The Oregonian/OregonLive recognized her as the seventh-best girls’ prep player in the state. Alongside her twin sister, Kim Braxton, she moved from Jackson, Michigan, to Oregon in 1997.
High School Achievements
- Named Class 4A Player of the Year during her sophomore and junior years.
- Averaged 18.8 points and 9.7 rebounds as a sophomore.
- Increased her performance to 22 points and 9.5 rebounds during the state tournament.
- Averaged 17.8 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks in her junior year.
- Led Westview High School to the 4A championship.
Her talent did not go unnoticed; she was ranked the second-best national recruit heading into her senior year of high school. Braxton signed with the University of Georgia, where she flourished for three seasons.
Collegiate and Professional Career
In college, she averaged 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds, earning the title of SEC Freshman of the Year for the 2001-02 season. Braxton declared for the WNBA draft in 2005 and was selected seventh overall by the Detroit Shock.
- Played eight seasons in the WNBA with teams including Detroit Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty.
- Averaged 7.6 points and 4.6 rebounds over her professional career.
- Named an All-Star in 2007 and won WNBA championships in 2006 and 2008.
Personal Life
Kara Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and their two sons, Jelani Thurman and Jream Jackson. Jelani, the oldest, played as a tight end for Ohio State last season before transferring to North Carolina.
The basketball community mourns the loss of Kara Braxton, who left a profound impact on the sport and inspired countless young athletes.
