Today, the college basketball world received heartbreaking news that Stacey Palmore, a beloved assistant coach and Director of Video Scouting and Recruiting Operations for Elon University’s men’s basketball program, passed away at the age of 54.
Stacey Palmore’s Journey in College Basketball
The late coach was born in 1971. He grew up in an era when college hoops was becoming a cultural cornerstone in the United States. He carved out a career that spanned various roles, eventually landing at Elon University, where he served in his second season with the men’s basketball program during the 2024/2025 season.
Stacey Palmore was one of the good ones.
RIP 🙏🕊️ pic.twitter.com/znnekDQsUS
— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) June 5, 2025
According to Elon University, he held the title of Director of Video Scouting and Recruiting Operations while also assisting as a coach. Before joining Elon, he had built a reputation as a connector in the basketball world.
Jamie Shaw, a well-known basketball analyst, noted on X that he had known Palmore for over 13 years and never heard a single negative word about him.
Palmore’s journey also included stints working with grassroots programs and other collegiate teams, where he honed his skills in scouting and player development, areas critical to the success of any basketball program.
Palmore’s Impact at Elon University Phoenix
At Elon, Palmore quickly became a cornerstone of the men’s basketball program. The Phoenix, as Elon’s athletic teams are known, has a storied history that dates back to their days as the “Fighting Christians,” a nickname that stuck until 2000, per Wikipedia.
Under the leadership of head coach Billy Taylor, the program has aimed to compete at a high level in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Palmore’s role in video scouting and recruiting was pivotal. His work extended beyond defense and offense.
He was known for his ability to connect with players on a personal level, fostering an environment where young athletes felt supported both on and off the court.
The Schar Center, Elon’s 5,100-seat arena that opened in 2018, was a place where Palmore’s presence was felt during practices and games. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for a program that, while not a traditional powerhouse, has consistently aimed to punch above its weight in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
Health Concerns in Basketball Highlighted by Loss
Palmore’s passing brings to light the persistent health risks those involved in the sport face. While the exact cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed as of this report, the timing of this tragedy aligns with ongoing discussions about sudden cardiac death among athletes.
Basketball’s high-intensity nature places significant stress on the cardiovascular system. Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, are often undetectable without advanced screening.
While his absence leaves a void, his influence will endure through the countless lives he touched.
The challenge now is to honor his memory by making the sport he loved safer and more supportive for all who follow in his footsteps.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
As the 2025/2026 season approaches, the college hoops community will undoubtedly carry Palmore’s spirit forward, ensuring that his light continues to shine brightly in the world of basketball.
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