4/23 5:44 AM PT -- 4/23 -- NBA star Donovan Mitchell was super close with Clarke and considered him a "little brother."
Mitchell posted a video of one of their last conversations, which happened to have been captured by Slam Online, showing how they would joke with each other about basketball and life.
"We’ve had too many convos like this bro," Mitchell said.
"One thing I can always say bro is your energy was unmatched your vibe was always lit! You were like a Lil brother to me bro just trynna make it to the league live your dream help moms out! You were so close bro so close!"
"I appreciate you for being a dope friend to my little sister man this hurts to even have to write! Rest in paradise lil bro! Gone to soon."
Terrence Clarke -- a 19-year-old University of Kentucky basketball player and a projected 2021 NBA Draft pick -- was killed Thursday in a car accident in Los Angeles, law enforcement sources tell TMZ Sports.
We're told Clarke was driving a Genesis around 2 PM in the San Fernando Valley when his vehicle was struck by another car ... sending him smashing into a pole and before ultimately slamming into a wall.
Footage from the accident shows Clarke's vehicle completely smashed in.
Former Sierra Canyon standout looks to be walking around and okay. Crazy news today https://t.co/nGqS3d8zKN
— Jack Pollon (@pollonpreps) April 23, 2021
Law enforcement sources tell us the accident is being investigated -- but so far, no official cause of the crash has been determined.
We're told Clarke was in Los Angeles with his Kentucky teammate, B.J. Boston -- another NBA Draft prospect.
Boston was reportedly in the car behind Clarke when the accident occurred -- but we're told he's physically okay.
Clarke was rushed to a nearby hospital ... but injuries proved too severe and doctors were unable to save his life. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Terrence -- a 6'7" guard -- was an absolute stud on the hardwood. Rivals rated him a 5-star recruit coming out of high school in New Hampshire ... and ranked him as the #8 overall high school player in the entire country.
He didn't play much at Kentucky -- but he clearly had the talent to succeed at the pro level and recently declared for the 2021 NBA Draft.
Some experts projected he would be a 2nd-round pick -- with tons of upside.
Tragic story.
RIP.
Originally Published -- 4/22 7:44 PM PT