Former Rutgers basketball star Phil Sellers died on Wednesday at the age of 69. Sellers was a two-time All-American and led the Scarlet Knights to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1976.
Sellers was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in East Orange. He attended East Orange High School, where he was a two-time All-State player. He was recruited by Rutgers coach Dick Vitale, and he quickly became one of the best players in the program’s history.
Sellers averaged 25.7 points and 12.5 rebounds per game during his career at Rutgers. He was named to the All-American team in 1975 and 1976, and he was the first player in Rutgers history to be named to the All-American team twice.
Sellers led the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA Tournament in 1976, where they lost to eventual national champion Indiana in the first round. He was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 1976 NBA Draft, but he never played in the NBA.
Sellers played professionally in Europe for several years before returning to the United States. He worked as a basketball coach and analyst for many years.
Breaks my heart to learn of the passing of @RutgersMBB ex SUPERSTAR. PHIL https://t.co/UMozG4g9q8 me he is the greatest STAR to ever wear a RUTGERS uniform.Have great memories in recruiting Phil when I was on the staff of Dick Lloyd .Along with Mike Dabney led Rutgers in mid…
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) September 20, 2023Sellers was a member of the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Sports Writers Association Hall of Honor. He was also a member of the Greater Newark Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame.
Sellers is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and their three children, Phil Jr., Erica, and Christopher.
My Thoughts
Sellers was a true Rutgers legend. He was one of the best players in the program’s history, and he helped to put Rutgers basketball on the map. He was also a great ambassador for the university and for the game of basketball.
Sellers’ death is a great loss for the Rutgers community and for the world of basketball. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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