Selection Sunday should have been an exciting day in college basketball, but the news about the passing of Felton Spencer dampened the day.
On Sunday afternoon, Louisville men’s basketball announced that their former star center passed away at the age of 55.
Cardinals men’s basketball coach Kenny Payne, who played at Louisville with Spencer, expressed his heartache over his former teammate’s passing on Twitter.
“My heart is broken today hearing about my brother Felton,” tweeted Payne. “My love and prayers go out to Momma Betty, his sisters and brother Mac. All Cardinals please put his family in our prayers.”
Spencer played at Louisville from 1986-1990, teaming with players such as Pervis Ellison and the aforementioned Payne. Coached by Danny Crum, Spencer helped the team win three consecutive Metro Conference tournament titles and two Sweet 16 appearances. In his senior season, Spencer had a career year, averaging 14.9 ppg and 8.5 rpg. He also shot 62.8% from the field during his career, which remains a school record.
In 1990, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him with the sixth overall pick, and he rewarded them by making the all-rookie team in his first season. He played in the NBA for twelve seasons with the Timberwolves, Jazz, Magic, Warriors, Spurs and Knicks, before retiring in 2002.
After retiring, Spencer returned home to his native Louisville and worked as an assistant coach at Spalding University and Bellarmine University.
No cause was given for his death.
RIP Felton Spencer.
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