Elden Campbell, a towering presence in Clemson basketball history and a steady force during a 15-year NBA career, has passed away at the age of 57. The cause of death has not been made public.
Campbell’s legacy at Clemson is etched in stone - quite literally in the record books. From 1986 to 1990, the 6-foot-11 forward anchored the Tigers with a blend of size, skill, and quiet dominance.
He remains Clemson’s all-time leading scorer with 1,880 points and holds the program record for most career wins by a player with 84. For a program that’s had its share of ups and downs, Campbell was a pillar of consistency and excellence.
His senior season in 1989-90 was the stuff of legend. Alongside fellow big man Dale Davis, Campbell helped steer Clemson to its only ACC regular-season championship - a feat that still stands alone in the program’s history.
That team made a memorable run to the Sweet 16 before falling to UConn on a buzzer-beater by Tate George, a shot that still stings for longtime Tigers fans. But that season cemented Campbell’s place in Clemson lore.
Cliff Ellis, who coached Campbell during his four years at Clemson, spoke with heartfelt admiration about his former player.
“Elden was a great player for four years, especially in 1989-90 when he was a major reason we won Clemson’s only ACC regular season championship,” Ellis said. “He went on to a 15-year career in the NBA and won a World Championship.
But most of all, Elden was an outstanding, giving person. This is a sad day for the Clemson family.”
Campbell’s accolades in college speak volumes. He was a First-Team All-ACC selection in 1989-90, a Second-Team pick in 1988-89, and made the Third Team in 1987-88.
He finished second in school history in blocked shots with 334 - trailing only the great Tree Rollins - and ranks eighth in rebounds with 836. Over 123 games in a Clemson uniform, Campbell averaged 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks while shooting an efficient 56.2 percent from the field.
That production earned him a spot in the 1990 NBA Draft, where the Los Angeles Lakers selected him 27th overall. For a kid from Inglewood, California, playing for the hometown Lakers was more than just a dream - it was the next chapter in a career built on steady growth and relentless work ethic.
Campbell spent nine seasons in Los Angeles, carving out a role as a dependable frontcourt contributor. He averaged 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game during his time with the Lakers, with his best statistical season coming in 1996-97 when he put up 14.9 points a night - sharing the floor with a young Kobe Bryant and a dominant Shaquille O’Neal.
Later in his career, Campbell brought his veteran presence to several other teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, New Jersey Nets, and New Orleans Hornets. He capped off his NBA journey with the Detroit Pistons, where he played a role in their 2004 championship run - a fitting final act for a player who always understood his role and delivered when called upon.
But beyond the stats and the accolades, those who knew Campbell speak most about his character. After retiring from the game, he remained connected to Clemson, returning to support the program and the community that helped shape him. He was more than just a basketball player - he was a proud Tiger, a quiet leader, and a man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Elden Campbell’s name may not always come up in highlight reels or headline debates, but his impact - both on and off the court - is undeniable. He was a foundational figure at Clemson, a consummate pro in the NBA, and a reminder that greatness often comes in the form of quiet, consistent excellence.