College Basketball World in Shock: Fans Pray for Myles Rice and His Best Friend After Family Drops Heartbreaking Announcement
May 18, 2025 – Bloomington, IN — The college basketball community is rallying around Indiana Hoosiers star Myles Rice after a heartbreaking announcement from the family of his best friend sent waves of emotion across social media and locker rooms nationwide.
The family revealed in a brief but emotional statement that Rice’s longtime best friend is facing a critical personal battle. Out of respect for privacy, specific details have not been made public, but the family has asked for prayers and support during what they called “an incredibly difficult time.”
Rice, who became a national inspiration after returning to the court following a cancer diagnosis, is known not just for his resilience on the court, but for the deep loyalty he shows off of it. His connection with his best friend — someone close to him throughout his recovery and rise to prominence — has been well-documented by teammates and coaches alike.
Fans, former teammates, and fellow athletes across the NCAA and beyond have flooded social media with messages of strength and solidarity, using hashtags like #PrayersForMyles and #StayStrong to show support.
“This is heartbreaking. Myles has already shown the world what it means to fight. Now it’s our turn to fight for him and his friend,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Indiana University released a brief statement saying it stands behind Rice and will provide all necessary support, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional health for student-athletes during times like this.
As the Hoosiers prepare for the upcoming season, the focus for now is not basketball — it’s community, compassion, and rallying around one of the game’s most inspiring young men.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops
