Elden Campbell, the top scorer in history at Clemson, who competed for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1990s and claimed an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons, has passed away at 57 years old.
Clemson confirmed that Campbell died on Tuesday without disclosing further information.
Campbell was named an All-ACC selection three times at Clemson from 1986 to 1990 and participated in three NCAA tournaments. In his senior year, he played a crucial role in leading the Tigers to their solitary regular-season ACC championship before advancing to the Sweet 16, where they were defeated by UConn on a last-second shot.
Campbell concluded his Clemson career with 1,880 points, which still stands as the school’s record, and he also ranks second in career blocks (334) and eighth in rebounds (836), among numerous other honors.
«I am profoundly saddened to hear of Elden Campbell’s death,» said Cliff Ellis, who coached Campbell at Clemson, in a statement. «… Above all, Elden was a remarkable and generous individual. This marks a sorrowful day for the Clemson community. Elden had a deep affection for Clemson; he returned to support the program following his retirement. He personified the essence of Clemson.»
Drafted in the first round by the Lakers in 1990, Campbell enjoyed nine seasons in Los Angeles before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 1999. He also played for Seattle, New Jersey, and Detroit, securing an NBA championship with the Pistons in 2003-04 before his career came to a close the following season.
Over his 15-year NBA career, spanning 1,044 games, Campbell averaged 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
