Vance-Granville Community College basketball player dies

Sophomore Raymond Dunn collapsed while playing in a 3 p.m. game against Guilford Technical Community College at the Aycock Recreation Complex in Henderson, Parker said.

“I’m still in shock. I really don't believe it. I can't believe it,” Niles Forsythe, Dunn's teammate, said Sunday.

Niles Forsythe was there Saturday when about 1½ hours into the game, Dunn went to get a rebound against an opponent and collapsed.

“I said, 'Somebody get him, get him, somebody get him, help, help, help,'” Glenn Forsythe, Niles' father, recalled.

Dunn was transported to Maria Parham Medical Center in Henderson. His teammates were at the hospital when Dunn was pronounced dead.

“We'll eventually bounce back, but it's going to be a long road,” Niles Forsythe said. “Our friendship was so strong. I could talk to Raymond about anything. He could talk to me about anything."

There was no word Sunday on Dunn's cause of death.

Dunn, a 6-foot-4 inch, 190-lb. forward from Henderson, was an outstanding player who was being recruited by multiple colleges, Parker said.

In January, Dunn was named the Division II player of the week, according to the National Junior College Athletic Association's Web site. He made three double-double games that week while leading VCGG to two victories that week. He hit a career-high of 52 points and 30 rebounds in a game against Lenoir.

Dunn played high school basketball for Norlina Christian School and Northern Vance High School.

“He was by far the best basketball player that ever played for me,” Johnny Watkins, retired Norlina coach, said.

Watkins led Dunn and Niles Forsythe to a conference championship in 2008. He learned of Dunn’s death Sunday.

“As a coach, in the back of your mind, you're always hoping this won't happen to you,” Watkins said.

Dunn's Vance-Granville teammates had a game scheduled for Sunday in Pitt County. Parker said the game was forfeited due to Dunn's death.