A legend of University of Louisville and a 12 year veteran of the NBA, Center, Fulton Spencer has passed away at 55 years old. Spencer’s death was confirmed via a memorial post by the University of Louisville that reads, “We’re heartbroken by the passing of UofL great Felton Spencer. Spencer was the Cardinals’ all-time leader in career field goal percentage, the 6th overall pick in the 1990 NBA Draft, & a beloved member of the Louisville community. Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones.”
Spencer grew up in Louisville, and was a standout high school basketball player that ended up going to his hometown’s university and played four full seasons with the Cardinals. Spencer didn’t secure a starting role until his senior year, averaging 14.9 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 68.1% from the field.
Spencer’s college efforts led to the Minnesota Timberwolves taking him sixth overall in the 1990 NBA Draft, although he eventually became a journeyman in his 12 years within the league. He spent 213 games with the Timberwolves, 184 games with the Utah jazz, 166 games with the Holden State Warriors, two seasons with the New York Knicks for 50 games and a short time with the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs.
Spencer managed to make it to seven series of playoff basketball in his career, most being with the Utah Jazz. However, he was never able to reach the finals. Spencer was an assistant coach for Spalding University in 2011 and later coached for Bellarmine University in Louisville as an assistant.
—
Sergey Nivens / Shutterstock.com