Reggie Chaney was a pro’s pro. What fans got to see on game days was only a glimpse at how his teammates loved and respected him. Everyone spoke highly of the big man, especially head coach Kelvin Sampson.

“Reggie’s attitude and his willingness to accept his role and still be that guy is something that I am very appreciative of,” Sampson said of Chaney in January.

In that same Zoom call, Sampson also called Chaney the team’s identity player.

His reliability and unbreakable toughness is why Sampson always counted on him. When the Cougars ran into adversity last year, Sampson went to Chaney, the team’s security blanket.

Chaney was a rock against Virginia, and he was also a calming presence in his final collegiate career game. While the Sweet 16 game against Miami offered few bright spots for Houston, it was no coincidence that Chaney was anchoring the middle during the Cougars’ run that got them within two.

The big man was not only reliable with his teammates and coaches but also with media members and fans. At Houston’s senior night, amid a chaos of confetti, net cutting and photos with fans and teammates, I made my way up to Chaney.

He had just finished talking to a media member by the time I reached him. Before he could leave, I got his attention and asked him if he could give me some time for another interview. Without hesitation, he said yes. After I was done talking to him, he went back to celebrating and taking photos with fans.

Chaney was always willing to give his time, whether it was after a practice or even after the Sweet 16 loss.

“Making the big decision to come here (to Houston) and committing here, I’m glad I did it. It is the best thing that ever happened to me,” Chaney said.

My sympathy to the Houston Cougars basketball program, Chaney’s family, and his loved ones.