- Phil Sellers, who led Rutgers to the 1976 Final Four, died Tuesday evening at the age of 69.
- He has been called “the greatest player on the greatest team in our program’s history.”
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Phil Sellers, Rutgers’ all-time leading scorer and rebounder who led the school to the 1976 Final Four, died Tuesday night at the age of 69.
Sellers has been dealing with a series of health issues this year, including a stroke he suffered earlier this month, a family spokesperson told NJ.com.
“Phil Sellers is Rutgers royalty,” Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said in an article posted on the Rutgers official website.
“He is the greatest player on the greatest team in our program’s history. His jersey is one of three that hang in the rafters. … He was the ultimate role model for our current Scarlet Knights.
“The Rutgers men’s basketball team extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We love you Phil ‘The Thrill’!
Phil “The Thrill” Sellers, Rutgers’ all-time leading scorer, died Tuesday evening at the age of 69.
Sellers has been described as “the greatest player on the greatest team in our program’s history.”
Sellers finished with 2,399 points and 1,115 rebounds. He averaged 21 points per game during his career at Rutgers, including 19.2 during the 1975-76 season, considered the best team in Rutgers history. Rutgers lost to Michigan in the national semifinals.
Sellers was recruited to Rutgers by then-assistant coach Dick Vitale.
“Phil was a very fierce competitor and he dominated inside and out. I am so sad to hear of his passing. To me, he’s the greatest player in Rutgers Hoops history,” Vitale said.
Sellers was drafted in the third round of the 1976 draft by the Detroit Pistons, but played only one season, averaging 4.5 points in 44 games.
Sellers was then drafted in the third round of the 1976 draft by the Detroit Pistons.