Nebraska basketball icon Larry K. Florence, who played for the Cornhuskers from 1996 to 2000, died at the age of 49 following a nearly decade-long fight against multiple myeloma, an aggressive form of blood cancer.
Florence was diagnosed at the age of 37 and courageously faced it, undergoing numerous rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and experimental therapies for nearly 10 years. He also used his platform to urge others to prioritize their health and get regular checkups.
Husker coaches, teammates and fans flooded social media with heartfelt tributes.
Former Husker All-American LaTisha Staten penned a heartfelt note while mourning the loss of Florence, who is part of Central High School’s Sports Hall of Fame. She wrote:
“This hurts! A Nebraska legend and true inspiration in life. Larry thank you for your transparency and your faith through it all. Watching you go through this pain on social media hurt, but your praise through the treatment and pain made me smile because I know your champion heart.
“God didn’t say that this earthly life would be easy but the goal for us all is our heavenly crown. You have earned your crown my friend and Husker teammate. You have been a true inspiration and example of God’s power. Get your ball on in Heaven. To your family, my deepest condolences and prayers. #NebraskaLove #CancerSucks Larry K Florence.”
This hurts! A Nebraska legend and true inspiration in life. Larry thank you for your transparency and your faith through it all. Watching you go through this pain on social media hurt, but your praise through the treatment and pain made me smile because I know your champion… pic.twitter.com/zEcSsDqCXO
— LaTisha Staten (@LaTishaStaten9) July 6, 2025
Sumner (@renmusb1) wrote: “Nebraska basketball legend Larry Florence has passed away … He was 49 years old. … He had battled multiple myeloma, an aggressive form of blood cancer for nearly a decade.”
Nick Joos (@JoosNick) added: “Larry and I at the @HuskerMBB reunion two years ago in Lincoln. One of the great Huskers of all‑time. No one worked harder on or off the court. He left as a college graduate and a 1,000‑point scorer. … This one hurts 💔”
Brian Salmons (@Brysons_worldXD) wrote: “Larry was a great man with a huge heart who left an impact on everyone he met, he fought so very hard at least he is pain free now God Bless”
@HuskerMBB Larry was a great man with a huge heart who left an impact on everyone he met, he fought so very hard at least he is pain free now God Bless pic.twitter.com/f2J7XjpNAl
— Brian Salmons (@Brysons_worldXD) July 6, 2025
Cary Cochran (@CochranCary) said:
“Gutted hearing the news of Larry Florence’s passing. RIP L‑Flo! 💔5️⃣”
Larry K. Florence’s Legacy with the Nebraska Cornhuskers
Larry K. Florence spent four seasons with the Cornhuskers and etched his name in the program’s history. He scored 1,223 career points, ranking 14th in program history. He made 105 starts (second-most in Nebraska history) and played 123 games.
He also served as team captain in 2000 and earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. He led the Huskers to the 1996 NIT Championship and the 1998 NCAA Tournament squad.
During his tenure there, he earned multiple honors, including Husker Power Male Athlete of the Year (1999). Notably, he was also a three-time Men’s Basketball Lifter of the Year (1998–2000).
After college, Florence overcame a broken ankle before embarking on an eight-year professional career across Argentina, Greece, Chile, Ireland, Mexico, Paraguay and Iceland.
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