HU basketball team remembers Theo Smalling

HAMPTON, Va. - A roster of players with one looming above the court in spirit

"1,2,3 Theo," chanted the men's Hampton University basketball team.

Theo Smalling, Hampton University's basketball Captain didn't wear # 12 Tuesday night, but nearly everyone else inside HU's basketball arena did.

Some knew Smalling well, like girls basketball captain Whitney Hill.

"Of course it was just real unexpected and it was a hard loss for everybody," said Hill.

Others had only met him once.

"He's leaving a legacy behind even though he's not here anymore so we're just here to show him support, family love, go Pirates, yeah," said student Marsilina Eikerenkoetter.

Smalling died last month after a tragic accidental shooting. Police say Dominique Smith mishandled a gun in a parking lot on W. Mercury Boulevard.

In his honor, students collected money for the Theo Smalling Foundation.

"It's going to further someone else's education in Theo's memory," said Kacie Easley.

Hill hoped Smalling would be remembered long after tonight's game ended.

"Exactly as he was, he was a Captain, a good student athlete and just a great guy, a good friend to everybody," said Hill.

Iona defeated Hampton, 68 to 63.