Felton Spencer, ex-Louisville star and NBA veteran, passes away at 55

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Felton Spencer, who setLouisville single-season and career records in field goalpercentage before playing 12 years in the NBA, has died. He was55.

Spencer’s sister, Tammy Pollock, tweeted of his death on Sundayafternoon and the school confirmed information with the family. Nocause of death was given.

Louisville tweeted that it was “heartbroken” by Spencer’spassing. Former Cardinals teammate and current coach Kenny Payneexpressed love and prayers for Spencer’s family on socialmedia.

The 7-foot Louisville native known as “Chief” scored 1,168points from 1986-90, including 32 against Tulane on Feb. 27, 1990,that’s tied for eighth all time at the school. Spencer averaged14.9 points per game as a senior with 188 baskets on 276 attempts(68.1%) to establish the Cardinals’ single-season field goalpercentage mark. His career percentage record of 62.8% (409 of 651shots) still stands.

Spencer also averaged a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game and wasa first team All-Metro Conference selection with teammateLaBradford Smith.

The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Spencer sixth overall in1990, and he made the NBA all-rookie team while playing threeseasons there. He also played with Utah, Orlando, Golden State, SanAntonio and the New York Knicks.

Spencer later worked as an assistant coach at Spalding andBellarmine universities in Louisville.