How did Phil 'The Thrill' Sellers die? Rutgers basketball legend regarded as 'the greatest player on the greatest team'
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY: Phil 'The Thrill' Sellers, Brooklyn native and Rutgers basketball legend who reportedly had faced a number of health challenges this year, including a stroke earlier this month, died on September 20. He was 69 years old, per The Daily Mail.
Coach Steve Pikiell declared that Phil Sellers was "Rutgers royalty" in a story that was published on the university's official website.
"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. ... He was the ultimate role model for our current Scarlet Knights," the coach added.
"Rutgers men's basketball sends our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We love you Phil 'The Thrill'!"
What happened to Phil 'The Thrill' Sellers'?
Sellers suffered a number of health-related problems this year, including an intestinal perforation and fluid buildup in his lungs, which necessitated many operations and landed him in a rehabilitation facility.
A spokesperson for his family stated he had a stroke earlier this month and did not recover, per NJ.
Why did Phil 'The Thrill' Sellers do?
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Sellers was regarded as "the greatest player on the greatest team in our program's history," as per his coach. But what all did he do?
Sellers had 2,399 points and 1,115 rebounds. During his Rutgers career, he averaged 21 points per game, including 19.2 during the 1975-76 season, when the team was regarded as the finest in Rutgers history.
Rutgers was defeated in the national semifinals only by Michigan.
In 1976-77, the 6-foot-4 shooting guard averaged 4.5 points per game for the Detroit Pistons.
Who recruited Phil 'The Thrill' Sellers?
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Dick Vitale, then an assistant coach at Rutgers, recruited Sellers.
"Phil was such a fierce competitor, and he was dominant inside and outside. I am so sad to learn of his passing. To me, he is the greatest player in Rutgers hoops history," Vitale stated.