Former NC State big man Charles Shackleford passed away at age 50 on Friday in his hometown of Kinston, N.C.
The 6-foot-10 Shackleford played for the Wolfpack from 1985-to-1988, forming a powerful frontline with Chris Washburn during the 1985-1986 season. Shackleford averaged 13.7 points and 7.8 rebounds during his three years with the Wolfpack before entering the NBA Draft. He set career highs by averaging 16.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game his last season, shooting 53.8 percent from the field en route to All-ACC honors.
Shackleford played six years in the NBA and five years overseas. He averaged 5.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game, playing for four teams.
The then New Jersey Nets drafted him in the second round, going No. 32 overall in the 1988 NBA Draft. He played two years with the Nets, having his best pro season in 1989-90, averaging 8.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Shackleford elected to play in Italy for his third season, before going back to the NBA with a two-year stint with the Philadelphia 76ers (1991-1993). He again went back to Italy before playing 21 games in 1994-95 with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Former NC State power forward Tom Gugliotta was a teammate in Minnesota.
A 32-game stint with the Charlotte Hornets closed out Shackleford’s NBA career in 1998-99. He had played the previous three years in Turkey and then Greece for two seasons.
According to media reports, the cause of death hasn't been determined and an investigation is underway.
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