Taurian Fontenette, the Houston-area basketball phenom famously known as “Air Up There” and “Mr. 720,” has died at the age of 43. His sister, Tracie, confirmed the news on Monday, ending the life of a player who transcended local high school fame to become a global icon in the world of streetball. A native of Hitchcock, Texas, roughly 40 miles southeast of Houston, Fontenette first captured attention while starring for the Hitchcock Bulldogs until 2000, establishing a reputation for explosive athleticism that would define his career.
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Fontenette’s path to stardom was unconventional, bouncing between Richland Junior College and Paul Quinn College before finding his true calling on the asphalt. In a pivotal moment in 2005, the security guard at a local chemical plant requested a three-week leave to try out for the AND1 Mixtape Tour. His performance against the elite AND1 roster was nothing short of spectacular, featuring jaw-dropping dunks and highlight-reel plays that immediately earned him a spot on the team and the enduring nickname “Air Up There.”
The loss of Fontenette marks the end of an era for Texas streetball culture. As noted by longtime Houston reporter Terrance Harris, Fontenette’s ability to blend high-level collegiate skill with raw, unbridled streetball flair made him a unique figure in the sport. His legacy remains cemented in the minds of fans who witnessed his gravity-defying performances, ensuring that “Air Up There” will remain a household name in the annals of basketball history.
Source: Yahoo Sports
