Pat Spencer is currently making waves in the NBA playoffs and has left many people in shock. Nothing is surprising about a player showing his best form in the NBA playoffs; however, Spencer’s story is unconventional. The 28-year-old only made his NBA debut just a few months before his 28th birthday last season after spending the early years of his career as a college lacrosse player.
How Spencer Went From Winning the Heisman to the NBA
Spencer attended local Loyola-Maryland on a lacrosse scholarship, where he quickly became one of the best players in the nation. Spencer won the 2019 Tewaaraton Award—the lacrosse Heisman trophy—and set the all-time NCAA Division I record for most assists, a record he still holds.
Pat Spencer has a crazy story:
• Played lacrosse at Loyola
• All-time NCAA assists leader
• Won Tewaaraton Award (Lacrosse’s Heisman)
• Transferred to Northwestern for basketball
• Spent 3 years in Germany & the G LeagueNow he’s playing in the playoffs with the Warriors. pic.twitter.com/AHhcFCYSB5
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) May 8, 2025
The 28-year-old was selected first overall in the debut season of the 2019 Premier Lacrosse League Draft. Still, instead of going pro in the sport he played in college, Spencer decided to try basketball. He used his last year of NCAA eligibility and transferred to Northwestern to play basketball—something he hadn’t played regularly since he finished high school.
However, Spencer recorded 10.4 points per game, four assists per game, and four rebounds before the season was interrupted by COVID. Spencer then moved overseas to Germany, where he played for the Hamburg Towers, before returning to the US to play for the Washington Wizards’ G-League affiliate.
Steph Curry’s Injury Opens Door for Spencer
Spencer joined the Santa Cruz Warriors on an Exhibit 10 contract in 2022 and finally signed a two-way contract with the NBA team in 2024. He played in six Golden State games last season. However, his two-way contract was converted to a standard contract earlier this year.
The 6-foot-3 former Loyola-Maryland man played in 39 contests, averaging 6.4 minutes as he found minutes difficult. However, an injury to Steph Curry has opened the door for the 28-year-old, and he has wasted no time in grabbing it with both hands.
KEEP READING: Pat Spencer’s College Hoops Roots on Display as Ex-Northwestern Star Sparks NBA Drama
Spencer has seen his minutes doubled during the playoffs. He hit big-time shots against the Rockets and Timberwolves and is now shooting 50% from three.
Spencer has been shooting 15-for-21 (71.4%) in the playoffs despite only hitting 41% of his regular-season attempts. His younger brother Cam now plays for the Grizzlies after winning a National Championship at UConn.
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