Ex-University of Louisville men’s basketball star Felton Spencer died on Sunday at 55.
Spencer’s younger sister, Tammy Pollock, confirmed the news on Twitter, affirming he died peacefully.
“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 in the tweet.
Pollock’s tweet continued, “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.”
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.
— Tammy Pollock (@tammytpollock) March 12, 2023
Spencer’s All-State high school career at Eastern High School led him to get a spot on the U of L men’s basketball team (1986-90). The 55-year-old landed a record-breaking career field goal percentage of 62.8% at U of L and still holds that record.
Former Louisville teammate James “Boo” Brewer took to Twitter to express his sadness over Spencer’s death.
“I’m lost for words,” Brewer wrote. “Losing my big brother, teammate, my dawg, my big man..this one hits hard. My heart hurts. Felton was such a great person. He had the kindest hard. He was the definition of HARD WORK! Chief thank you for all you did for me. Love you Felton.”
I’m lost for words. Losing my Big brother, teammate, my dawg, my Big man.. this one hits hard. My heart hurts. Felton was such a great person. He had the kindest hard. He was the definition of HARD WORK! Chief thank you for all you did for me. Love you Felton. ?? pic.twitter.com/RFurCDotHh
— James Boo Brewer (@coachboobrewer) March 12, 2023
According to the Courier-Journal, Spencer was the sixth overall pick in 1990 during the NBA Draft for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He also played for the Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks. During his 12-year NBA career, he scored 3,354 points on 48.4% shooting and 3,436 rebounds.
Kentucky High School inducted Spencer into the Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame. In 2011, Spencer became Spalding University’s assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. Then, he took his remarkable talents and knowledge to Bellarmine in 2016, working alongside basketball coach Scott Davenport, who acknowledged the news of Spencer’s death on Twitter.
“Life is so fragile! Thoughts and prayers for Felton and his wonderful family with news of his passing,” Davenport’s tweet read. “He was a shining example of an extraordinary individual who made EVERYONE better.”
Life is so fragile! Thoughts and prayers for Felton and his wonderful family with news of his passing.
He was a shining example of an extraordinary individual who made EVERYONE better.
From Crosby to Eastern to UL on to the NBA to Bellarmine Felton left a legacy of true stardom!— Scott Davenport (@Bellarminehoops) March 12, 2023
Spencer will be deeply missed.
