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Former Louisville standout, NBA center Felton Spencer dies at 55

By Ryan Young, Yahoo Sports

Felton Spencer #50 23 Jan 2001: Felton Spencer #50 of the New York Knicks stretches out on the court before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks won 105-91. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

By Ryan Young, Yahoo Sports

Former Louisville standout and longtime NBA center Felton Spencer died on Sunday, the university announced.

He was 55.

Specifics surrounding his death are not yet known.

Spencer played at Louisville from 1986-1990. He helped lead the Cardinals to three consecutive Metro Conference tournament wins and a pair of Sweet 16 appearances. He averaged a career-best 14.9 points and 8.5 rebounds during his senior season, and shot 62.8% from the field throughout his collegiate career, which is still the Louisville program record.

Spencer was then selected with the No. 6 overall pick in 1990 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he spent his first three seasons in the league. He was named to the all-rookie team after his first season, where he averaged 7.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Spencer also spent time with the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks before he retired in 2002.

He averaged 5.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 604 games throughout his 12 seasons in the NBA.

Spencer, a Louisville native, returned home after retiring. He worked as an assistant coach at both Spalding University and Bellarmine University in the area after his playing career ended.

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