Tag: Phil Sellers

Former Rutgers basketball assistant, current ESPN analyst Dick Vitale remembers the late Phil Sellers

Dick Vitale remembers the life of Phil Sellers, who passed away this week.

ESPN analyst Dick Vitale provided a tribute on Wednesday to Phil Sellers, the Rutgers basketball legend who passed following recent health battles.

Sellers, who was 69 years old, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a stroke and being hospitalized “for an intestinal illness.” Sellers played for Rutgers from 1972-76 and is the program’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder.

Twice an All-American selection at Rutgers, he would then go on to play for the Detroit Pistons.

In a social media post on Wednesday shortly after the news of Sellers passing was made public, Vitale posted his thoughts and remembrances for a player who is arguably the best ever in Rutgers history.

 

An assistant coach at Rutgers from 1971-73, Vitale knows Sellers well from that time.

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Vitale would go on from Rutgers to Detroit, turning them quickly into an NCAA Tournament team. Then he spent two seasons in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons as their head coach before transitioning to the broadcasting booth.

Sellers and Vitale did not overlap in the NBA.

Following his time in the NBA, Vitale was one of ESPN’s original hires. His genuine nature and affability have made him one of the most popular personalities at ESPN.

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Vitale was diagnosed for a third time this summer with cancer.

Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano comments on the passing of basketball legend Phil Sellers

Greg Schiano pauses to remember Rutgers basketball legend Phil Sellers.

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’!”