Pat Spencer
Pat Spencer is an American professional basketball player and former college lacrosse standout.
Pat Spencer is an American professional basketball player and former college lacrosse standout. He set the NCAA men’s lacrosse career assists record at Loyola University Maryland and won the Tewaaraton Award in 2019 before later pursuing basketball, including one season at Northwestern and an NBA career.
Early life and education
Spencer grew up in Maryland and attended Boys’ Latin School of Maryland in Baltimore. He later played college lacrosse at Loyola University Maryland and then used a final year of eligibility to play basketball at Northwestern University.
College lacrosse career
At Loyola, Spencer became one of the most accomplished players in NCAA lacrosse history. He finished with the NCAA career assists record and won the 2019 Tewaaraton Award after a dominant senior season.
Basketball career
After college lacrosse, Spencer pursued basketball professionally. He signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors in 2024 and was later reported to have signed with the Phoenix Suns on another two-way NBA contract in 2026.
Recognition and legacy
Spencer is widely described as one of the greatest college lacrosse players of all time because of his assist record, scoring totals, and national player‑of‑the‑year honours. His transition from elite lacrosse to the NBA has made him a notable multi‑sport athlete.
Key facts
- Set the NCAA men's lacrosse career assists record with 231 assists.
- Won the 2019 Tewaaraton Award as the top college lacrosse player.
- Played one season of college basketball at Northwestern University.
- Signed NBA two‑way contracts with the Golden State Warriors (2024) and Phoenix Suns (reported 2026).
- Brother of NBA guard Cam Spencer.
No direct Canada-specific connection is established in the provided sources, though Spencer’s career is of interest to Canadian sports readers because it involves the NBA and a cross-sport transition.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Pat Spencer?
What record did Pat Spencer set in lacrosse?
What award did Pat Spencer win in college lacrosse?
Did Pat Spencer play college basketball?
What NBA teams has Pat Spencer been associated with?
Is Pat Spencer related to another NBA player?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_SpencerSupports: Full name, birth date, college background, NCAA assists record, and transition to professional basketball.
- NCAA — https://www.ncaa.com/news/lacrosse-men/article/2025-05-01/how-pat-spencer-college-lacrosse-record-holder-made-golden-state-warriorsSupports: Two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors and his path from lacrosse to the NBA.
- Sporting News — https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/golden-state-warriors/news/pat-spencer-warriors-guard-loyola-lacrosse-legend-nba/3d470f82474460a3679c4225Supports: Loyola lacrosse career, Tewaaraton Award, assists record, and statistical standing in NCAA history.
- Sporting News Canada — https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nba/news/pat-spencer-warriors-lacrosse-star-nba-deal/a1c5efa88bb0a05c9aab301aSupports: Canadian audience context, lacrosse career summary, NCAA assists record, and Tewaaraton Award.
- CBS News Baltimore — https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/former-loyola-md-lacrosse-star-pat-spencer-signs-nba-phoenix-suns/Supports: Reported signing with the Phoenix Suns, Maryland background, Boys' Latin School, Loyola, Northwestern, and prior Warriors organization details.
- Yahoo Sports — https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/pat-spencer-explains-old-lacrosse-111244124.htmlSupports: Loyola lacrosse years, assists total, and move to basketball at Northwestern.