Frank Selvy, NCAA Legend, Passes Away at 91
Frank Selvy, renowned for one of the most extraordinary single-game performances in NCAA basketball history, has died at the age of 91. Selvy's family announced that he passed away peacefully at his home in Simpsonville. The news was later confirmed by Furman University's athletic department.
Selvy's name is etched in the annals of college basketball history, thanks to his unforgettable 100-point game on February 13, 1954. Representing Furman University, Selvy's Herculean achievement – 41 field goals and 18 free throws in a 145-95 rout over Newberry – remains an NCAA Division I record to this day. This remarkable feat took place in Greenville and continues to inspire generations of basketball players.
Born in Corbin, Kentucky, Selvy showed early promise and quickly rose to prominence during his collegiate career from 1952 to 1954. During this period, he led the NCAA in scoring twice and boasted an astonishing average of 41.7 points per game as a senior. His scoring prowess was evident as he tallied 40 points or more in 22 of his 78 college games. For his unparalleled performances, Selvy was honored as the Southern Conference player of the year for the 1952-53 and 1953-54 seasons, and he earned a place as a three-time All-America selection.
Such consistency and brilliance did not go unnoticed. In 1954, Selvy was selected as the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Baltimore Bullets. His professional career spanned nine years, during which he played for five different NBA franchises. He earned the honor of becoming a two-time All-Star and spent his last four and a half seasons with the Lakers, a period that included the franchise’s historic move from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960.
After retiring from the NBA, Selvy returned to Furman University, this time as a coach. He led the team for four seasons, contributing back to the institution that had been such a significant part of his life and career. Jason Donnelly, Furman's vice president of intercollegiate athletics, fittingly described Selvy as “Furman's all-time greatest athlete,” a testament to his enduring legacy and impact on the institution.
Beyond the court, Selvy's life was rich and full. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, their two children, Valerie S. Miros and Mike Selvy, 11 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. His legacy, both as a player and as a mentor, leaves a lasting impact on the basketball community and those who knew him personally.
Frank Selvy's passing marks the end of an era, but his unforgettable contributions to the sport will ensure that his memory lives on. His 100-point game stands as a beacon of individual excellence, and his lifelong dedication to basketball serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.