Frank Selvy, the only player in NCAA Division I history to score 100 points in a single game, passed away at the age of 91. Selvy, a former player for the New York Knicks and numerous other NBA teams, died on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, as announced by his alma mater, Furman University. He spent his final moments at home in Simpsonville, South Carolina, surrounded by family.
Selvy’s journey in basketball began in Corbin, Kentucky, where he was born on November 9, 1932. His talent on the court became evident during his college years at Furman University, where he left an indelible mark on the sport. Selvy’s name became synonymous with college basketball excellence when, on February 13, 1954, he scored 100 points in a game against Newberry College, a record that remains unbroken in NCAA Division I history. That day, Selvy made 41 field goals and 18 free throws, leading Furman to a 145-95 victory.
Furman University celebrated Selvy’s contributions to their basketball program both as a player and later as a coach. The university retired his No. 28 jersey, and in 2022, he was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
After his remarkable college career, Selvy was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1954 NBA Draft by the Baltimore Bullets. His professional basketball career spanned nine seasons, during which he played for multiple teams, including the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks, New York Knicks, Syracuse Nationals, and Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers. Despite a solid career in the NBA, where he averaged 10.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, Selvy never managed to secure an NBA championship. However, he was a two-time NBA All-Star and participated in two NBA Finals.
One of the most talked-about moments of Selvy’s NBA career came during the 1962 NBA Finals. Playing for the Lakers, Selvy had the opportunity to clinch the championship with a last-second shot in Game 7 against the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, his shot missed, and the Lakers went on to lose the game in overtime, a moment that has become a famous “what if” in NBA history.
Jason Donnelly, Furman’s Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, highlighted Selvy’s personal qualities in a statement released by the university. “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, where he took on the role of head coach for the Paladins from 1966 to 1970. His return to the institution where he had achieved so much was a testament to his dedication to the sport and to the university that had been such an integral part of his life.
Selvy’s legacy in basketball is not just marked by his records and achievements but also by the profound impact he had on those who knew him. His contributions to Furman University and the broader basketball community will not be forgotten. As the world of sports mourns his passing, his name will forever be etched in the annals of basketball history as the man who did what no one else has ever done — score 100 points in a single NCAA game.
Selvy is survived by his wife Barbara, their two children, and other family members. The basketball community, particularly those at Furman University, will continue to honor his memory and his contributions to the game.