LOS ANGELES - MARCH 13: Vladimir Radmanovic #7 of the Los Angeles Clippers puts the pressure on Justin Reed #9 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 13, 2006 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

35-year-old former college standout, NBA player reportedly “in the fight of his life” with latest health battle

Here's hoping he battles back from this.

If you are not a college basketball die-hard, the name of Justin Reed might not be familiar. If you are an Ole Miss fan, however, Reed's name certainly pops as a former great of the program on the floor.

Now, however, the news with Reed is not favorable as the 35-year-old former college standout and NBA player is reportedly "in the fight of his life" as a result of spinal cancer.

This is, of course, something you never want to hear and it will be a tough road ahead with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, as noted above.

Reed played for Ole Miss from 2000 through 2004 before playing more than 100 combined games in the NBA between the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves. He served as a role player at the professional level but Reed was a legitimate college star. Reed is the No. 5 all-time scorer and No. 6 all-time rebounder in the history of the Ole Miss program and, as you may expect, he is beloved in and around Oxford as a result of that sizable contribution on the floor.

We want to send our thoughts and prayers to both Justin Reed and his family and friends as the still-young man battles this brutal disease.