Felton Spencer, who set Louisville single-season and career records in field goal percentage before playing 12 years in the NBA, has died. He was 55.
Spencer´s sister, Tammy Pollock, tweeted of his death on Sunday afternoon and the school confirmed information with the family. No cause of death was given.
Louisville tweeted that it was 'heartbroken' by Spencer's passing. Former Cardinals teammate and current coach Kenny Payne expressed love and prayers for Spencer's family on social media.
The 7-foot Louisville native known as 'Chief' scored 1,168 points from 1986-90, including 32 against Tulane on Feb. 27, 1990, that's tied for eighth all time at the school.
@AP @wave3news @WLKY @WHAS11 @WDRBNews @espn Our beloved Felton Spencer - former @uofl basketball legend, retired 12 year NBA veteran and 6th pick in the 1990 NBA draft, and former assistant college coach - passed away peacefully this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/F9mU3Gjali
— Tammy Pollock (@tammytpollock) March 12, 2023
12-year NBA veteran and Louisville basketball legend Fulton Spencer died at age 55
Fulton was drafted sixth overall by the Timberwolves in 1990 after staring for the Cardinals
We’re heartbroken by the passing of UofL great Felton Spencer. Spencer was the Cardinals’ all-time leader in career field goal percentage, the 6th overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, & a beloved member of the Louisville community. Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/jalKAnWpK9
— Louisville Men's Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) March 12, 2023Spencer averaged 14.9 points per game as a senior with 188 baskets on 276 attempts (68.1%) to establish the Cardinals´ single-season field goal percentage mark.
His career percentage record of 62.8% (409 of 651 shots) still stands.
Spencer also averaged a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game and was a first team All-Metro Conference selection with teammate LaBradford Smith.
The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Spencer sixth overall in 1990, and he made the NBA all-rookie team while playing three seasons there.
He also played with Utah, Orlando, Golden State, San Antonio and the New York Knicks.
Spencer later worked as an assistant coach at Spalding and Bellarmine universities in Louisville.
He also played for the Warriors, Knicks, Spurs, and Magic during his 12 years in the NBA
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