RIP, Charles Shackleford pic.twitter.com/VLEXY0Cgqd
— NC State Men's Bball (@PackMensBball) January 27, 2017
Former North Carolina State basketball star Charles Shackleford was found dead in his hometown of Kinston, N.C., on Friday. He was 50.
The cause of death wasn't immediately known. Kinston Police are investigating.
Shackleford averaged 13.7 points and 7.8 rebounds in three seasons (1985-88) at North Carolina State before bypassing his senior season and entering the NBA draft. He was a second-round selection (32nd overall) in the 1988 draft by the New Jersey Nets.
After one game at North Carolina State, Shackleford delivered a quote that still makes the rounds: "I can shoot with my left hand, I can shoot with my right hand. I'm amphibious."
He played two seasons with the Nets and posted career best averages of 8.2 points and 6.8 rebounds in his second season. He also played two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers and one each with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets.
Shackleford averaged 5.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 303 career NBA games.
Shackleford experienced a few issues after his basketball career, including being arrested in 2010 for selling prescription drugs to an undercover officer. He had no assets left after his time in the NBA and was appointed an attorney by the court for his case.
Longtime NCAA broadcaster Dick Vitale posted a tweet saying "So sad - called many of his games May Charles RIP."
