LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Cardinals lost their “Chief” Sunday, March 12. Felton Spencer, who played for Coach Denny Crum from 1986 until 1990, died at 55.
Spencer’s sister, Tammy Pollock, confirmed his death on Twitter Sunday. Pollock didn’t name a cause of death but said, “… he received excellent care in his final hours from the providers at the University of Louisville Hospital, his alma mater that he loved so dearly.”
Head coach, Kenny Payne, played with Spencer for three years at UofL. He said the loss of his friend left him “heartbroken.”
Spencer attended Eastern High School and led his team to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) state championship in his junior and senior years.
He stayed at home and played for UofL, taking over center duties in the 1989-90 season after Pervis Ellison left for the NBA. He eaned the nickname "Big Chief" or "Chief" while with the Cards.
Spencer was the sixth pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1990 draft. As a rookie, he averaged 7.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, and shooting 51.2% from the floor.
He would remain in Minnesota until 1993 and would go on to play for the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. In his 12-year career, Spencer would have over 3,300 points, over 3,400 rebounds, and more than 525 blocks.
After leaving the NBA, Spencer returned to Louisville and became an assistant coach with Spalding University. He would also be an assistant coach at Bellarmine University, beginning in 2016.
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame added Spencer in 2011.
Those who played and worked with Spencer remember him as someone who made an impact on and off the court.