Felton Spencer, who starred for the Louisville Cardinals before going on to play 12 seasons in the NBA, died March 12.
Spencer was 55.
No cause of death was given, although Spencer’s sister, Tammy Pollock, said he passed away “peacefully.”
@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
Louisville head coach Kenny Payne, who played with Spencer for three seasons at Louisville, tweeted, “My heart is broken today hearing about my brother Felton. My love and prayers go out to Momma Betty, his sisters and brother Mac. All Cardinals please put his family in our prayers.”
My heart is broken today hearing about my brother Felton. My love and prayers go out to Momma Betty, his sisters and brother Mac. All Cardinals please put his family in our prayers 🙏 https://t.co/GFtKd2XR8g
— Kenny Payne (@coachkennypayne) March 12, 2023
Spencer, who made the Parade All-American team as a high school player in Middletown, Kentucky, played four seasons at Louisville. Although a raw talent as a young player, the 7-foot center worked hard to improve, and led the Cardinals in scoring (14.9 points per game) and rebounding (8.5) as a senior. That great final season and Spencer’s size and potential led the Minnesota Timberwolves to select him No. 6 overall in the 1990 NBA Draft.
Spencer went on to play 12 NBA seasons, averaging 5.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He also played for the Utah Jazz, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic.
Basketball fans shared their memories of Spencer, and condolences for his family. Judging from the incredible number of comments on Twitter praising Spencer’s kindness, generosity and personality, he was far more than just a basketball player to many people.
We remember former Warriors center Felton Spencer, who passed away today at the age of 55. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Felton played three seasons with the Warriors (1996-99) during a 12-year NBA career. Our condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/MGu6t5MRMm
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) March 12, 2023
Felton Spencer was one of the sweetest, kindest, people I’ve ever known. Grew up in KY together & have known each other since age 15. Played on the last Kentucky all-star team to sweep Indiana together. Played against one another in college & the pros. A sad day.
Rest Big Fella. https://t.co/jhJQyTz2ES— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) March 12, 2023
This is terribly sad. Of all the NBA players I covered, Felton was one of the all-time nice guys. Always had a smile on his face. Was playing the best basketball of his career in 1994-95, before rupturing his Achilles in Boston. Peace and prayers to his family and friends.
— Steve Luhm (@sluhm) March 12, 2023
One of the nicest men I ever met, and one of the best to wear the Cardinals uniform. What a sad and tragic day for all who love him. 🥺
— ~SarahD~ (@sadnky) March 12, 2023
RIP Felton, rivalry aside, you were a great player, a kind person and a terrific ambassador for UL.
— Blue Blood (@ElJimmadorUK) March 12, 2023
He was such a hard working player and person…
I remember his freshman year he was stumbling over his feet..
🙂🙂🙂🙂
Each year he improved with hard work and some ballet…
Damn…
Rest in Peace Big Guy 🥺🥺🥺💔💔— Carol Lynne (@Steeler82480) March 12, 2023
This is devastating. Felton was a true Louisville gentleman and star. Felton and his family represent the heart and soul of Louisville. Felton is walking with God, bless his relations.
— Step Up or Step Off ☮️ (@LuckyLuna07) March 12, 2023
