Felton Spencer, a Louisville native who starred on the U of L men’s basketball team. During the late 1980s before spending more than a decade playing in the NBA, he died. He was 55. However, Spencer, a graduate of Eastern High School, died of natural causes after a short stay at the University of Louisville Hospital. His youngest sister, Tammy Pollock, told The Courier-Journal.
Also, 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.
However, 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. Spencer 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.
How Did Felton Spencer Die?
Felton Spencer, a former NBA star, passed away on March 12, 2023, at the age of 55. While the cause of his death has not been officially confirmed by his family or representatives. However, some reports suggest he may have suffered a heart attack.
Spencer was known for his impressive basketball skills and played for several teams throughout his 10-year career in the NBA. Also, his sudden death has prompted tributes and condolences from his former teammates, and colleagues. Also, fans, who remember him as a talented and hardworking player.
Felton Spencer’s Cause of Death Has Not Been Announced
There’s been no word on Felton Spencer cause of death. Also, Tammy said in a follow-up tweet that her brother “received excellent care in his final hours from the providers at the University of Louisville Hospital, his alma mater that he loved so dearly.”
She went on: “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”.
University of Louisville’s men’s basketball team also tweeted a tribute to Felton on Sunday. “We’re heartbroken by the passing of UofL great Felton Spencer,” the team said. “Spencer was the Cardinals’ all-time leader in career field goal percentage, the 6th overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, [and] a beloved member of the Louisville community. Our thoughts [and] prayers are with his loved ones.”
After his Louisville days, Felton played for various NBA teams before turning to coaching. According to Yahoo! Sports, Felton and his teammates won three consecutive Metro Conference tournament wins as he played for Louisville between 1986 and 1990. His 62.8-per cent field goal percentage is still a Cardinals record.
At the 1990 NBA Draft, Felton linked up with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and after averaging 7.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in his first Timberwolves season, he joined the 1991 NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Later in his NBA career, Felton played for the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks.
Felton Spencer Career
Spencer got the selection with the sixth overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Timberwolves, where he was primarily a backup centre. In 1994, he signed as a free agent with the Utah Jazz. There he played for five seasons and was part of the team that reached the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998.
After leaving the Jazz in 1999, Spencer played for several other NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, and Denver Nuggets. He retired from the NBA in 2002 after playing for 12 seasons.
During his NBA career, Felton Spencer was famous as a solid defender and rebounder. He was not a high-scoring player, but he was a valuable contributor to his teams.
Throughout his career, he averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. After retiring from basketball, Spencer returned to Louisville and became a successful businessman. He owns a car dealership and several other businesses in the Louisville area.
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