Brandon Hunter, who played briefly for the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic, died Tuesday at age 42.
His mother-in-law, Carolyn Cliett, said he collapsed while doing hot yoga in Orlando, but no cause of death was announced.
"It was hot yoga, and he did it regularly," she told NBC News. "He was in good shape as far as we know. We're just shocked."
Hunter, a 6-foot-7 forward, was a four-year starter at Ohio University from 1999-2000 to 2002-03. He averaged 16.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 119 games for the Bobcats.