Former NBA first-round draft pick Felton Spencer died at the age of 55 on Sunday afternoon, his sister Tammy Pollock announced.
Spencer played at the University of Louisville from 1986–90. As a center, he finished his career with 1,168 points and 694 rebounds, and he also holds the school record for career field goal percentage (62.8%).
“It was befitting that he received excellent care in his final hours from the providers at the University of Louisville Hospital, his alma mater that he loved so dearly,” Pollock wrote on Twitter. “Our family thanks them and everyone who participated in his care. We are proud of all he did on the court and in his personal life. He was a kind, gentle giant whose physical presence will be sorely missed. While we are heartbroken, we are comforted by your thoughts and prayers.”
Louisville’s current men’s basketball coach, Kenny Payne, tweeted a message to Spencer’s family. Payne played three seasons alongside the late center at Louisville.
“My heart is broken today hearing about my brother Felton,” Payne wrote. “My love and prayers go out to Momma Betty, his sisters and brother Mac. All Cardinals please put his family in our prayers.”
In 1990, Spencer was selected No. 6 overall by the Timberwolves in the NBA draft. He made the NBA All-Rookie second team his first year. He stayed in Minnesota until ’93.
After that, Spencer played three seasons with the Jazz, three seasons with the Warriors, one season with the Spurs, and finally, two seasons with the Knicks before he finished his 12-year NBA career in 2002.
