Elmore Spencer's Story

Sports Illustrated did a story years ago about Elmore Spencer.

Spencer was born in Atlanta, went to Booker T. Washington High School, and found a talent for basketball. At 6' 11" and 315 pounds, he led his high school team to the state championship. Unfortunately, before Spencer completed high school, he lost his mother, and was subsequently treated for depression.

Spencer was recruited to the University of Georgia, and was poised to team with Alec Kessler to give Georgia a very big and very talented front line. However, due in part to the medications he was taking, Spencer reportedly fell behind in his classes. Coach Durham wanted him to sit out for half the year. The school's administration insisted that Spencer sit out the entire season.

There's no telling how good Georgia could have become if Spencer had played all four years in Athens. From what I understand, by the time Spencer's medication was all straightened out, he was on his way, departing from the University of Georgia and heading to junior college.

SI tells the story and follows Spencer up to the point at which he was ready to go to the NBA.

Spencer