On Wednesday, Rutgers basketball legend Phil Sellers passed away. Sellers, an accomplished scorer and rebounder, was 69 years old.
According to the Asbury Park Press’ Jerry Carino, in August Sellers had suffered a stroke following a hospitalization “for an intestinal illness.”
Sellers was a pivotal part of the 1975-76 Rutgers team started the season 31-0 and made it the Final Four. He was a third round pick of the Detroit Pistons.
He remains the top scorer (2,399 points” and rebounder (1,115 rebounds) in program history.
On Wednesday following the conclusion of practice, head coach Greg Schiano began his media availability with a tribute to Sellers.
“Probably the greatest player to ever put on a Rutgers uniform,” Schiano said.
“A tremendous loss for the school and I know for his family as well. Thoughts and prayers are with them.”
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Also on Wednesday, Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell released a statement on the impact Sellers had on the program:
“Phil Sellers is Rutgers royalty. He is the greatest player on the greatest team in our program’s history. His jersey is one of three that hang up in the rafters at Jersey Mike’s Arena. He was the ultimate role model for our current Scarlet Knights. Rutgers men’s basketball sends our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We love you Phil ‘The Thrill’!”