Former NBA Center Felton Spencer Passes Away at 55

Chisom Ndianefo
Felton Spencer
Getty | Jonathan Daniel

It's a sad day for NBA fans as the basketball world loses yet another former player, Felton Spencer, at 55. The ex-player retired from professional play 12 years ago, but his legacy hasn't dwindled with time.

Spencer's Sister Spears Out

Spencer's sister, Tammy Pollock, broke the sad news via Twitter saying he died peacefully over the weekend.

Cause Of Death

Pollock assured his fans and well-wishers that Spencer died of natural causes after a brief health struggle.

Resting In UL Hospital

As a Louisville alum, the late basketballer received the best possible care from the medical staff at the University of Louisville Hospital. Pollock spoke on behalf of the family and thanked the medics for their service during Spencer's difficult moment.

Leaving His Family Proud

Felton Spencer playing for the Knicks
Flickr | Kyallstar Basketball

The former Knicks player lived a fulfilling life by his family's standard as Pollock declared they're proud of everything he did.

The Family Is Heartbroken

Heartbroken
Unsplash | Kelly Sikkema

Pollock ended her tribute by saying the family misses Spencer and is heartbroken over his death. She thanked fans and friends for their condolences, saying they needed prayers in this difficult time.

Fans And Friends Remember Spencer

Fans and friends on Twitter share their experiences with Spencer as they reminisce on the kind of man he was to those around him.

Louisville Men's Basketball Team Remember Spencer

Louisville Men's Basketball tweeted a tribute saying the team is heartbroken over Spencer's death while listing out his achievements.

The University Team Is Heartbroken

The former player was the all-time leader in their career field goal percentage and became the sixth overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft.

A Busy Career

The NBA celebrated Spencer's career from playing with the Golden State Warriors to the Utah Jazz, Timberwolves, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, and Orlando Magic.

GSW Remembers Chief

His former team, the Warriors remembered Spencer with a tweet celebrating the three seasons he played with them.

Becoming Chief

Felton Spencer for the Timberwolves
Flickr | natxopistatxo

Spencer stood at 7-foot and earned himself the nickname Chief after scoring 1,168 points playing in college.

Chief's Stats In UL

As a senior at the University of Louisville, Chief averaged 14.9 points per game and established the Cardinals' highest field goal percentage mark in a single season.

Brief Moment In Minnesota

Spencer played for Minnesota in the early Nineties before becoming a starter on the Utah team in 1993.

Accolades From His Ex-Coach

His impact on Utah Jazz is immutable as the ex-assistant coach Gordon Chiesa noted in his tribute. Chiesa described Chief as a standout player in defense and rebound.

Becoming A Coach

Felton Spencer with some women fans
Flickr | StewMac

After his retirement, Spencer became an assistant coach like Chiesa at Spalding University and later Bellarmine University in Louisville.

A Good Team Player

Former Louisville Cardinals coach Denny Crum described Spencer as a mature gentleman, praising his technique in the Eighties.

A Fitting Ambassador

Another fan said Spencer was a great ambassador for Louisville, and it's evident in how his name can't be erased from the Cardinals' legacy.

The Last Hurrah

Spencer's final hurrah was in 2002 after two seasons with the NY Knicks.

R.I.P. In Hoop Heaven

The good messages from old colleagues, fans, and friends, show that Spencer lived a good life.