Introduction
Pat Spencer — a name that has carved a unique path in American sports. Once a dominant lacrosse star, Spencer reinvented himself as a professional basketball player and currently plays as a guard for Golden State Warriors in the NBA. This article delves into every major facet of his career — from stats and jersey number to his family background, physical attributes, and more.
Early Life & Background
Pat Spencer was born on July 4, 1996 in Davidsonville, Maryland.
He attended Boys’ Latin School of Maryland in Baltimore, where he played both lacrosse and basketball. In his senior year of high school, he averaged 14.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game in basketball.
Although he showed promise on the basketball court, it was lacrosse that made his name — and more on that in the next section.
College Career: Lacrosse Fame & Transition to Basketball
Lacrosse at Loyola University Maryland
Pat Spencer’s collegiate career began in lacrosse, where he became one of the most decorated players in NCAA history. At Loyola Maryland (2016–2019), he:
-
Became the all-time Division I leader in career assists with 231 assists.
-
Was a 4-time USILA All-American.
-
Was named the top college lacrosse player in the United States in 2019, winning the Tewaaraton Award.
-
Dominated the Patriot League — winning multiple Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year awards, establishing program and conference records, and finishing with a total of 380 career points.
Despite this enormous success in lacrosse, Spencer always had a passion for basketball. After four years at Loyola, he chose to use his final year of NCAA eligibility to play college basketball.
Basketball at Northwestern Wildcats
In the 2019–20 season, Spencer joined Northwestern as a graduate student and played guard:
-
He appeared in 31 games, averaging 10.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
-
He wore jersey number 12 during his time at Northwestern.
This marked a dramatic but successful pivot — from lacrosse legend to legitimate college basketball contributor.
Professional Career & NBA Stats
After college, Spencer’s path to the NBA was non-traditional. He went undrafted, but persisted — playing in Europe, G League, and finally earning his way to an NBA roster.
NBA & G-League Journey
-
He spent time with teams like the Hamburg Towers (Germany) and the G League’s Capital City Go-Go and Santa Cruz Warriors before getting his shot in the NBA.
-
In 2024, he made his NBA debut and later secured a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors — rising from lacrosse standout to NBA squad member.
Physical Attributes
-
Height: 6′2″ (1.88 m)
-
Weight: 205 lb (93 kg)
NBA Performance (2025–26 season & career so far)
According to his latest available stats (2025–26):
-
Points per game (PPG): ~ 5.6
-
Rebounds per game (RPG): ~ 2.0
-
Assists per game (APG): ~ 2.7
-
Field Goal % (FG%): ~ 41.1%
-
3-Point % (3P%): ~ 35.0%
These numbers reflect a solid role player — contributing modest scoring, facilitating ball movement, and adding depth to Golden State’s guard rotation.
Jersey Number & Role on Golden State Warriors
-
In the NBA, Spencer wears jersey number 61.
-
His role is mainly as a guard off the bench — bringing energy, defensive hustle, and versatility. As a former lacrosse player, he has impressive athleticism and court awareness.
Brother & Family — The Spencer Sibling Connection
Pat Spencer isn’t the only professional hoop-playing Spencer. His younger brother, Cam Spencer, is also a basketball player.
Cam was selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft (53rd overall) and signed a two-way contract with Memphis Grizzlies.
This makes for a rare — and exciting — brother-vs-brother storyline when their teams meet. Their shared journey underscores athletic talent in the Spencer family and offers NBA fans a compelling narrative beyond statistics.
From Lacrosse Legend to NBA Guard: The Transition
It’s uncommon for a top-tier college lacrosse star to pivot to basketball — yet Pat Spencer pulled it off. His transition shows:
-
Unusual athletic versatility and adaptability.
-
Dedication: mastering basketball fundamentals enough to compete at the highest level.
-
Mental toughness and ambition — turning an NCAA lacrosse legacy into an NBA career path.
As noted by some sports analysts, Spencer’s lacrosse background gave him unique advantages in court vision, spatial awareness, and physicality — traits that translate well to basketball.
Why Fans & Analysts Watch Pat Spencer
-
Versatility: He’s not a traditional “shoot-first” guard — his strengths lie in playmaking, defense, and hustle. That makes him a useful rotation piece for teams needing depth.
-
Storyline: Coming from lacrosse to the NBA is rare; that underdog, “against-all-odds” arc attracts attention.
-
Family dynamic: With Cam Spencer also in the league, their sibling story adds human interest beyond on-court performance.
-
Work ethic: Spencer’s journey reflects perseverance, adaptability — traits that many teams value.
Challenges & What’s Next for Pat Spencer
While Spencer’s journey is inspiring, he still faces challenges typical for role players and transitional athletes:
-
He’s not a star — his stats are modest, and playing time is limited.
-
Competition for guard spots in a powerhouse team like Golden State is fierce.
-
Transitioning fully from a lacrosse background to NBA-level basketball demands constant improvement.
However, if he continues to develop — improving shooting consistency, defensive impact, and playmaking — there’s potential for Spencer to carve out a steady niche or even expand his role in future seasons.
FAQs
Q: What is Pat Spencer’s height and weight?
A: Pat Spencer is 6′2″ (1.88 m) and weighs 205 lb (93 kg).
Q: Which number does Pat Spencer wear on his jersey?
A: He wears jersey number 61 for the Golden State Warriors.
Q: What college did Pat Spencer attend, and did he play basketball there?
A: He played lacrosse at Loyola University Maryland (2016–2019), then used his eligibility to play one season of college basketball at Northwestern University in 2019–20.
Q: What are Pat Spencer’s career NBA stats (2025–26)?
A: As of 2025–26, he averages roughly 5.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, with a FG% around 41.1% and 3P% near 35%.
Q: Does Pat Spencer have any siblings in the NBA?
A: Yes — his younger brother, Cam Spencer, is also an NBA player.
Conclusion
Pat Spencer’s story is one of resilience, versatility, and transformation. From dominating in NCAA lacrosse — where he earned national honors and set records — to reinventing himself as an NBA guard, Spencer has defied conventional paths. His current role with the Golden State Warriors showcases what hard work and adaptability can achieve in professional sports.
Whether you’re a fan of underdog stories, athletic evolution, or simply curious about players with unconventional journeys — Pat Spencer stands out. His future remains open, and with continued growth, he might just prove that his lacrosse-to-NBA transition was more than just a remarkable detour — but the start of a lasting basketball career.
