Frank Selvy, a basketball legend revered for one of the most extraordinary feats in NCAA history, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91. Selvy died at his home in Simpsonville, as announced by his family and confirmed by the Furman athletic department.
Born in Corbin, Kentucky, Selvy's storied career began to unfold during his collegiate years at Furman University. Known for his scoring prowess, Selvy led the NCAA in scoring twice between 1952 and 1954, and as a senior, he averaged an incredible 41.7 points per game. His 100-point game against Newberry on February 13, 1954, remains etched in the annals of NCAA Division I history. During the game, Selvy racked up 41 field goals and 18 free throws, encapsulating his scoring brilliance in a 145-95 victory in Greenville.
Selvy's consistent high-level performance saw him scoring 40 points or more in 22 of his 78 college games, an achievement that earned him Southern Conference player of the year honors for two consecutive seasons, 1952-53 and 1953-54. His outstanding collegiate career also saw him selected as a three-time All-America player, underscoring his remarkable talent and work ethic on the court.
Among his numerous accolades, Selvy was chosen as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1954 by the Baltimore Bullets. His professional career spanned nine years in the NBA, where he became a two-time All-Star and played for five different franchises. Most notably, Selvy spent his last four and a half seasons with the Lakers, a period that included the franchise’s historic relocation from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960.
After hanging up his sneakers, Selvy returned to Furman University in a coaching capacity, leading the team's basketball program for four seasons, thereby imparting his knowledge and passion for the game to a new generation of athletes.
"Furman's all-time greatest athlete," remarked Jason Donnelly, Furman's vice president of intercollegiate athletics, encapsulating the high regard in which Selvy was held by his alma mater and the broader sports community.
Frank Selvy leaves behind a legacy defined by stellar athletic achievement, both in his collegiate and professional careers. Selvy is survived by his wife, Barbara, their two children, Valerie S. Miros and Mike Selvy, 11 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to the sport of basketball will be remembered by fans and players alike for generations to come.