Frank Selvy, the legendary basketball player best known for his remarkable 100-point game, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91. Selvy’s family announced that he died at his home in Simpsonville, with confirmation of his passing also coming from the Furman athletic department.
Unmatched NCAA Feats
Frank Selvy's place in NCAA history is forever secured by his extraordinary performance on February 13, 1954. Representing Furman, Selvy scored an unprecedented 100 points in a single game, leading his team to a commanding 145-95 victory over Newberry in Greenville. In that game, Selvy set the court ablaze with 41 field goals and 18 free throws, a record that still stands in NCAA Division I basketball.
Selvy’s scoring prowess wasn’t confined to a single spectacular game. Over his collegiate career from 1952 to 1954, he led the NCAA in scoring twice and boasted an average of 41.7 points per game as a senior. His offensive dominance was highlighted by his ability to score 40 points or more in 22 of his 78 college games. Such consistent high-level performance earned Selvy Southern Conference player of the year honors for two consecutive years and saw him being named a three-time All-America selection.
From College Star to NBA Player
Born in Corbin, Kentucky, Selvy transitioned seamlessly from collegiate stardom to professional acclaim. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1954 NBA Draft by the Baltimore Bullets, beginning a nine-year NBA career that resulted in two All-Star selections. Throughout his professional journey, Selvy played for five different NBA franchises. Perhaps most notably, he spent the last four and a half seasons of his career with the Lakers, a period that encompassed the franchise’s historic move from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960.
A Legacy at Furman
After retiring from professional play, Selvy returned to Furman to contribute as a coach, leading the college basketball team for four seasons. His impact on the college's athletics extended far beyond his own playing days. Jason Donnelly, Furman's vice president of intercollegiate athletics, fittingly described Selvy as “Furman's all-time greatest athlete.”
Remembering Frank Selvy
Frank Selvy’s passing marks the end of an era for both Furman University and the broader basketball community. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, their two children, Valerie S. Miros and Mike Selvy, 11 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Selvy’s legacy will endure in the records he set, the games he played, and the lives he touched throughout his storied career both on and off the court.
As the basketball world reflects on the life and achievements of Frank Selvy, his historic contributions to the sport stand as a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. Few athletes have left such a lasting imprint, and Selvy’s legend will undoubtedly inspire future generations of basketball players to strive for greatness.