CSUN Athletics Mourns the Passing of MBB Alum Joseph Frazier

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.---CSUN Athletics is mourning the passing of men's basketball alum Joseph Frazier. Known for his tenacity and relentless energy on the court as a player, Frazier was perhaps better known for his strength in life. Frazier passed away on March 8 at the age of 40.

Originally from Pasadena, Frazier was a standout at his hometown John Muir High School. Frazier went on to play four seasons at CSUN for then head coach Bobby Braswell, helping the Matadors become one of the top defensive teams in The Big West.

After earning Big West All-Freshman Team honors in 2002, Frazier was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore. He helped CSUN post a school-record 340 steals during the 2004-05 season. Individually, Frazier posted the second-most steals in a game in school history when he recorded 10 on Dec. 7, 2002. Frazier finished with 63 takeaways in 2002-03, which are still the ninth-most ever recorded at CSUN.

"His fierceness and competitiveness were unmatched on the court," said Braswell. "He could single-handedly change the direction of a game with his defense and his energy."

While perhaps not widely known during his days at CSUN, Frazier lived nearly his entire life hearing impaired. As a member of the Matadors, Frazier played without any hearing aid device during competition.

Among his many collegiate accomplishments, Frazier helped the Matadors make an improbable run to The Big West tournament finals in 2004.

Needing to win four games in four days, the sixth-seeded Matadors ran through The Big West gauntlet. After defeating Cal State Fullerton in the first round, Frazier scored 19 points in a Matador second-round win over UC Santa Barbara. In the semifinals, Frazier hit a game-winning three that lifted CSUN to a come-from-behind one-point win over top-seeded Utah State.

Frazier's heroics led CSUN to a championship meeting with Pacific. The Matadors rallied from 19 points behind in the title game, but ultimately, fell by just two points. For his efforts, Frazier received Big West All-Tournament honors.

After his collegiate career, Frazier transitioned into coaching. Frazier served as an assistant coach of the basketball team at Calabasas High School while he also took part in instructing basketball camps with his longtime friend and classmate at John Muir High School, Ryan Hollins.

Frazier's life would be forever altered on Aug. 25, 2011, when he was involved in a motorcycle accident in nearby Tarzana, Calif. He suffered a severe traumatic brain injury from the accident, leaving him in a coma.

Through the help of his family and friends, led by his mother Tai, Frazier would be cared for each day while he fought for his life for nearly 12 years.

A tenacious basketball player, Frazier captivated many on and off the court. Mike Johnson, who was a member of the staff that recruited him to CSUN, describes that Frazier's story, while heartbreaking, inspired countless people.

"I truly believe the number to be in the hundreds of people who came to know Jesus because of his life in a coma," said Johnson in an Instagram post after Frazier's passing. "Joe died a hero tonight for many reasons, but tonight specifically because he became a donor to keep others alive."

Frazier is survived by his mother Tai and stepfather Joseph, his father James, and his three brothers, Samuel, Josh and Noel.

"Obviously, our hearts are broken with Joseph's passing. Joseph was a very special young man that will always have a special place in my heart. His fierceness and competitiveness were unmatched on the court. He could single handedly change the direction of a game with his defense and his energy. Off the court, Joseph had a huge impact on all of us as well. His smile and his energy were so infectious. When he walked in the room, he changed the atmosphere for the better. No matter what was going on in practice or at games, good or bad, he had an optimism about him that affected people. When he could have easily had a negative outlook because of his perceived limits in hearing, Joseph wouldn't go there. He loved life and enjoyed being around people, his coaches and teammates. Joseph was a fighter, and he fought to the very end. I love Joseph Frazier!"

-Bobby Braswell - Former CSUN Head Coach, 1996-2013

"There is no Ryan Hollins without Joseph Frazier. Joe paved the way for guys like myself to play Division I basketball. I wanted to be Joe Frazier. Four years at UCLA, 10 NBA seasons and one overseas season, I've never seen a harder playing basketball player – Joe is epitome of hard work. When Joe went to CSUN, we went to CSUN. I used to sneak out of the house to go to his games, open runs and live the college life. There are no words to express the magnetic personality that Joe has. I have never met a human being that is more universally loved. It has never mattered what race, color, creed or gender Joseph is beloved by all. I can't express the pain that the last 12 years has brought to our community knowing his condition. As we watched Joe fight and inspire, you couldn't help to see that he gets it from his mama. Tai is the true warrior. She never complained and stepped up in every moment. When you speak motherly love, all we see is Tai. True examples of love and perseverance to Joe's last breath. Joe, you have forever humbled and shaped my life. My brother, thank you. I'll see you soon, and I love you."

-Ryan Hollins - John Muir High School classmate, former 10-year NBA veteran

"Rest in Peace to my friend, roommate and teammate, Joseph Frazier. He was our defensive leader with his passion, tenacity and obsession with competing on this end of the floor as well as an energizer on the offensive end. He lived off the court with the same boundless and infectious energy. He was a person that was hard not to root for on and off the court, which makes his passing that much harder. I look back with fondness of the four memorable years competing against him in practices and with him in practices, and with him in games. I'll cherish the memories of us all being silly in the dorm, admire his growth from freshman to senior year and be continually inspired by his never-ending fighting spirit.

"You will be missed, Joe Joe."

-Ian Boylan - CSUN teammate, 2001-05.

"After a 12-year battle for life following a motorcycle accident … my guy Joseph Frazier ran into heaven full speed tonight. Joe was a young man I helped recruit to Cal State Northridge from Muir HS in Pasadena when I coached college basketball. He was the fastest and hardest playing kid I ever recruited. I loved him with all my heart. I loved watching him play. He had the best smile and live life zealously. Molly and I have been blessed to be a part of this journey for 12 years alongside his wonderful mom Tai. We have seen miracles upon miracles. I truly believe the number to be in the hundreds of people who came to know Jesus because of his life in a coma. Nurses, caregivers, friends, and many more. People always asked me why God allowed Joe to live so long in such a state. I always answered it was none of my business. God was still using him. At 7:02 p.m. tonight Joe passed peacefully with mom, Molly and myself bedside. Joe died a hero tonight for many reasons, but tonight specifically because he became a donor to keep others alive. Please pray for his mama. Joe's in heaven, and I'm positive he's enjoying being whole again. Thanks to all of you who prayed and journeyed with us since his accident."

-Mike Johnson - Former CSUN Assistant Coach, 1992-01, 2006-07

#GoMatadors

CSUN Athletics Mourns the Passing of MBB Alum Joseph Frazier

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