Elden Campbell, the former Clemson standout and longtime NBA veteran, has died at the age of 57. A towering presence at 6-foot-11, Campbell left a lasting mark at both the collegiate and professional levels, remembered as much for his quiet consistency as for the impact he had on every team he played for.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Campbell’s basketball journey began at Clemson, where he suited up for the Tigers from 1986 to 1990. He wasn’t just a key contributor - he was a program cornerstone.
During his four years, he led Clemson to three NCAA Tournament appearances and helped deliver the school’s only ACC regular-season title in 1989-90. That season, he and fellow big man Dale Davis formed one of the most formidable frontcourts in the country, anchoring a team that made it all the way to the Sweet 16 before falling to UConn on a heartbreaker - a buzzer-beater from Tate George that still stings for Tigers fans.
Campbell’s name is all over the Clemson record books. He remains the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,880 points and holds the record for most wins by a Clemson player with 84.
He ranks second in blocked shots with 334, trailing only Tree Rollins, and eighth in rebounds with 836. Over 123 games, Campbell averaged 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 56.2% from the field.
He was named First Team All-ACC in 1989-90, Second Team in 1988-89, and Third Team in 1987-88 - a testament to his consistency and steady growth throughout his college career.
Cliff Ellis, Campbell’s head coach at Clemson, shared heartfelt words following the news of his passing.
“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. “But most of all, Elden was an outstanding, giving person.
This is a sad day for the Clemson family. Elden loved Clemson, he came back and supported the program after he retired.
He exemplified what Clemson was all about.”
Campbell’s success at Clemson caught the attention of the NBA, and in the 1990 draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected the Inglewood, California native with the 27th overall pick. It was a fitting homecoming for Campbell, who grew up just minutes from the Forum, the Lakers’ home at the time.
He went on to play nine seasons in Los Angeles, carving out a role as a reliable interior presence during a transitional period for the franchise. Campbell averaged 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in purple and gold, with his best statistical season coming in 1996-97 - the early days of the Kobe and Shaq era - when he averaged 14.9 points per game.
After his time with the Lakers, Campbell continued his NBA career with several teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Hornets, and New Jersey Nets. But it was with the Detroit Pistons where he capped off his career in storybook fashion, winning an NBA championship in the twilight of his 15-year run.
Campbell may not have been the flashiest name on the marquee, but he was the kind of player every coach wanted - dependable, durable, and quietly effective. He played his role, did the dirty work, and helped winning happen. And whether it was in Littlejohn Coliseum or under the bright lights of the NBA, he always made his presence felt.
His passing is a profound loss for the Clemson community and for those who followed his career in the league. But his legacy - as a player, a champion, and a person - is firmly cemented.