Bobby Phills
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 20, 1969 Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Died | January 12, 2000 (aged 30) Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Nationality | USA |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Southern |
| NBA draft | 1991: 2nd round, 45th overall |
| Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks | |
| Playing career | 1991–2000 |
| Position | Shooting guard |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
Bobby Ray Phills II (December 20, 1969 – January 12, 2000) was an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Hornets.
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Phills was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1991 NBA Draft (45th overall). The Southern University graduate ended up being cut by the Bucks in December 1991 without playing a game for them. He signed with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the Continental Basketball Association where he averaged 23.1 points before rejoining the NBA with the Cavaliers late in the 1991-92 season. Over his nine-year career, he averaged 11 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. His post career plans included an aspiration to help animals as a veterinarian.
On January 12, 2000, Phills' life came to a tragic end at age 30 when he was killed in an automobile accident in Charlotte, North Carolina. Phills was traveling behind teammate David Wesley at over 100 mph when his car spun and crossed into oncoming traffic. A police report said the two were driving "erratic, reckless, careless, in a negligent and/or aggressive manner," and the men were "involved in a speed competition." Phills is survived by his parents, wife, Kendall, and three children. The eldest of his children, is Brittany Dickson. She and his parents still reside in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Hornets retired his #13 jersey number on February 9, 2000. Phills was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans.