Frank Selvy, the singular NCAA Division I player to score 100 points in a game, has died at the age of 91. Selvy, who played for the New York Knicks and several other NBA teams, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, according to a statement from his alma mater, Furman University. His last moments were spent at his home in Simpsonville, South Carolina, surrounded by his loved ones.
Selvy was born on November 9, 1932, in Corbin, Kentucky, where his basketball career started. His prowess was evident during his time at Furman University, leaving a significant imprint on the sport. On February 13, 1954, Selvy scored an unprecedented 100 points against Newberry College, a record that still stands unchallenged in NCAA Division I history. That day, he led Furman to a 145-95 victory by making 41 field goals and 18 free throws.
Furman University acknowledged Selvy’s outstanding contributions to their basketball program as a player and later as a coach by retiring his No. 28 jersey. In 2022, he was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy.
Upon the conclusion of his noteworthy college career, Selvy was the first overall pick in the 1954 NBA Draft by the Baltimore Bullets. His professional basketball journey lasted nine seasons, playing for several teams including the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks, New York Knicks, Syracuse Nationals, and Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers. Despite averaging 10.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game throughout his NBA career, he never clinched an NBA championship. He was, however, a two-time NBA All-Star and participated in two NBA Finals.
One of the most memorable moments in Selvy’s NBA career occurred in the 1962 NBA Finals. As a player for the Lakers, Selvy had a chance to secure the championship with a last-second shot in Game 7 against the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, his shot didn’t go in, and the Lakers lost the game in overtime, a moment that is frequently discussed in NBA history circles.
Jason Donnelly, Furman’s Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, issued a statement highlighting Selvy’s personal attributes. “More than his accomplishments on the court, Frank’s devotion to his family was his greatest achievement. Our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and the entire Selvy family. We will miss Frank dearly but will remember him forever — a true Paladin legend.”
After retiring from professional basketball, Selvy returned to Furman University as the head coach for the Paladins from 1966 to 1970. His return to the institution where he had achieved so much spoke volumes about his dedication to the sport and the university that played a vital role in his life.
Selvy’s legacy is not just his records and achievements. It also lies in the profound impact he made on those who knew him. His contributions to Furman University and the broader basketball community will be remembered. As the sports world mourns his loss, his name remains eternally inscribed in the annals of basketball history as the only person to score 100 points in a single NCAA game.
Selvy is survived by his wife Barbara, their two children, and other family members. His memory and contributions to basketball will continue to be honored, especially by those at Furman University.
