Frank Selvy, a college basketball legend known for scoring 100 points in a single game, passed away at the age of 91. He was a standout player at Furman University, where he was named a first-team All-American in 1954 and won two Southern Conference Player of the Year awards. Selvy’s most notable achievement was scoring 100 points against Newberry College in 1954, making him the only NCAA Division I player to achieve this incredible feat. He averaged 32.5 points per game during his time at Furman and entered the NBA Draft after his senior year.
The Baltimore Bullets selected Selvy as the No. 1 pick in the 1954 Draft, but he was later moved to the Milwaukee Hawks after the team folded mid-season. He also served in the U.S. Army during the 1956-57 season before returning to play for the Lakers, New York Knicks, and Syracuse Chiefs. Selvy had a successful NBA career from 1954 to 1964, during which he was a two-time All-Star and averaged 10.8 points per game in 565 games. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in college basketball history.
In a statement, Furman University’s Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Jason Donnelly, expressed sadness at Selvy’s passing and highlighted his achievements on and off the court. Selvy was not only a basketball legend but also a devoted family man, and his impact will be remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara, two children, 11 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. The entire Selvy family is in the thoughts and prayers of those in the basketball community who will miss him dearly but remember him as a true Paladin legend.
Selvy’s remarkable career as a basketball player began at Furman University, where he set records and earned accolades that would define his legacy. His scoring ability was unmatched, as evidenced by his historic 100-point game that remains unmatched in NCAA Division I history. Despite being drafted into the NBA and having a successful professional career, Selvy’s impact was felt most profoundly in the college basketball world, where he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court.
Throughout his life, Selvy exemplified dedication, skill, and sportsmanship, earning the respect and admiration of fans, colleagues, and competitors alike. His induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame was a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport, solidifying his place among the all-time greats. While his passing is a loss to the basketball community, his memory will live on through the stories and accomplishments that have secured his place in history. Frank Selvy will always be remembered as a pioneering athlete who left an indelible mark on the game of basketball and inspired future generations of players to reach for greatness.
