Felton Spencer: Former Knicks Center, Dead At 55

Felton Spencer

Felton Spencer, the Louisville basketball legend and 12-year NBA veteran who retired from the Knicks, died  Sunday, the school said. 

 

He was 55 years old. 

Spencer's sister, Tammy Pollock, tweeted that Spencer "passed away peacefully" on Sunday afternoon. "Our beloved Felton Spencer — former @uofl basketball legend, 12-year retired  NBA veteran and 6th pick in the 1990 NBA draft, and former college assistant  coach — passed away peacefully this afternoon," Pollock wrote. 

"It was fitting that in his final hours he received excellent care  from the hospital staff at the University of Louisville, his beloved alma mater." -Pollock.

"Our family thanks them and everyone involved in his care," he said. 

 

“We are proud of everything he has achieved on the pitch and in his personal life. He was a gentle and gentle giant whose physical presence will be greatly missed. Although heartbroken, we are comforted by your thoughts and prayers. 

The Louisville men's basketball team said  in a tweet paying tribute to Spencer that they were "heartbroken" over the news.

 

"Spencer was the Cardinals' top player by career field goal percentage, the sixth overall pick in the 1990 NBA draft, and a beloved member of the Louisville community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.” 

Former NBA player Rex Chapman recalls his lifelong friendship with Spencer, which began in their hometown of Kentucky. 

 

"Felton Spencer was one of the sweetest, kindest people I've ever known," wrote Chapman. “We are together with KY  & They have known each other since they were 15 years old.

“I played on the last Kentucky All-Star team that defeated Indiana together. They played each other in college and in the pros. Sad day.” 

Spencer has played for the Timberwolves, Jazz, Magic, Warriors, Spurs and Knicks, averaging 5.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for 12 seasons. "Remembering former Warriors center Felton Spencer, who passed away today at the age of 55," the Warriors PR account wrote on Twitter. 

“A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Felton played three seasons with the Warriors  during his 12-year NBA career (1996-99). We extend our condolences to his family and friends.

"Sad of the death of former Utah jazzman Felton Spencer," Chiesa wrote. "I had the privilege of coaching Felton from 1993-1996 where he was an outstanding rebounder, infielder and player. His humility and spirit made our team stronger. Proud U of Louisville, R.I.P. in hoop heaven!”

Felton Spencer

Dead

NBA

Sport