– Felton Spencer, a former standout basketball player at the University of Louisville who went on to have a successful 12-year career in the NBA, has passed away at the age of 55. Spencer’s sister, Tammy Pollock, announced his death via Twitter on Sunday afternoon, and the university confirmed the news with the family. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The University of Louisville expressed its deep sadness over Spencer’s passing, describing the news as heartbreaking. Kenny Payne, Spencer’s former teammate at Louisville and the current coach, shared his condolences and prayers for Spencer’s family on social media.
Standing at 7 feet tall, Spencer, affectionately known as “Chief,” left an indelible mark on the Louisville basketball program during his collegiate career from 1986 to 1990. He scored a total of 1,168 points, with one of his standout performances being a 32-point game against Tulane on February 27, 1990, which is tied for the eighth-highest single-game scoring performance in the school’s history. Spencer’s senior year was particularly impressive, as he averaged 14.9 points per game and set the Cardinals’ single-season field goal percentage record by shooting an outstanding 68.1% from the field, with 188 baskets made on 276 attempts. This record still stands today. Additionally, his career field goal percentage of 62.8% (409 of 651 shots) remains a Louisville record.
Spencer was not only a prolific scorer but also a dominant presence on the boards, averaging a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game during his college career. His impressive performance earned him recognition as a first-team All-Metro Conference selection alongside his teammate LaBradford Smith.
In the 1990 NBA Draft, Spencer was selected sixth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He enjoyed a successful rookie season, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team. Over the course of his NBA career, Spencer played for several teams, including the Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and the New York Knicks.
After retiring from professional basketball, Spencer remained involved in the sport as a coach. He served as an assistant coach at Spalding and Bellarmine universities in Louisville, where he shared his knowledge and passion for the game with aspiring young athletes.
Felton Spencer’s contributions to the University of Louisville basketball program and his achievements in the NBA will be remembered and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. His passing is a loss not only for the basketball community but also for all who knew and admired him.
