A former college basketball star who transitioned into HBCU coaching has passed away at age 72. North Carolina State University alumnus Phil Spence passed away, according to an announcement by the North Carolina Central men's basketball team. The team posted a tribute to him on its social media accounts.

“Remembering the life of Coach Phil Spence. Coach Spence took over the program from 2000-04. In 2003, Coach Spence was named the CIAA Coach of the Year. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Coach Spence,” the page posted.

Spence was a North Carolina native who ultimately transferred to North Carolina State after starting his college journey at junior college, Vincent's University. He then transferred to North Carolina State in his sophomore year and ultimately became one of the stars of the team, helping the Wolfpack win the 1974 national championship.

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He ultimately graduated from the institution with a degree in vocational industrial education in 1976. He was then drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the sixth round with the 92nd overall pick in the 1976 NBA draft, but his professional career was cut short when he didn't make the final roster. He then quickly transitioned to coaching. He made an immense impact.

After working under his former head coach Ed McLean at Broughton High School, he went on to become the head coach of Kerry High School from 1979 to 1989 as junior varsity coach and then head varsity coach. Before transitioning to East Wake High School from 1989 to 1999, his last stop as a coach was in the new millennium as the head coach of North Carolina Central.

At North Carolina Central, he won the 2003 CIAA Men's Basketball Coach of the Year award as his team finished 16-13. Ultimately departed the team in 2004 after the athletics department decided not to renew his contract.