Charles Shackleford
Charles Shackleford | |
|---|---|
| Born | 22 April 1966 United States |
| Died | 27 January 2017 (aged 50) Kinston, North Carolina, United States |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player |
| Years active | 1985–2000 |
| Known for | NBA and European basketball career, rebounding leader |
Charles Edward Shackleford (April 22, 1966 – January 27, 2017) was a professional basketball athlete from the United States who competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and various European leagues. Operating primarily as a center and power forward, he gained recognition for his exceptional rebounding skills, frequently topping the charts in European competitions.
Spanning six NBA seasons, Shackleford mostly served as a reserve player, interspersed with periods abroad where he found greater individual success. Off the court, his career was marred by multiple controversies and legal challenges. He is also famously remembered for his postgame remark following an NC State contest: "I can shoot with my left hand, I can shoot with my right hand, I'm amphibious."
College career
Shackleford competed in college basketball for North Carolina State within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) of NCAA Division I from 1985 through 1988.
In the fall of 1986, he faced suspension due to academic underperformance but was reinstated for the spring semester after appealing and agreeing to attend all classes, with involvement from chancellor Bruce Poulton. Richard Lauffer, former head of NC physical education, characterized him as an indifferent student with little academic motivation.
On the hardwood, Shackleford—nicknamed Shack—was regarded as the Wolfpack’s "essential player" and a formidable physical force. He earned All-ACC honors in 1988 while leading the conference in rebounds. Declaring early for the NBA draft in May 1988 during his junior year, he cited hardship as his reason.
North Carolina State scandal
In 1989, allegations emerged through Peter Golenbock’s book Personal Fouls, with NBC suggesting Shackleford intentionally lost an NCAA Tournament game to avoid drug testing. More severe accusations surfaced via ABC, implicating Shackleford and three teammates in point-shaving during the 1987–88 season. According to reports, New Jersey businessman Robert Kramer provided $20,000 to Shackleford, who then distributed these funds.
Shackleford acknowledged receiving $20,000 from Kramer and $45,000 from agent Larry Gillman, thereby breaching NCAA regulations; however, he denied involvement in point-shaving. He explained that the Kramer money was a loan to repay Gillman and stated both loans were fully settled by 1990.
A New Jersey grand jury concluded its inquiry in 1993 without filing charges due to lack of sufficient evidence.
Professional career
Selected by the New Jersey Nets in the second round (32nd overall) of the 1988 NBA draft, Shackleford appeared in 130 games across two seasons, starting in 37. His best NBA performance came during the 1989–90 NBA season, averaging 22.2 minutes, 8.2 points, and 6.8 rebounds per game. In February 1990 against the Milwaukee Bucks, he achieved career-highs with 23 points and an impressive 26 rebounds—a rebound total that remains one of the highest in Nets history.
He then transitioned to Italy’s Phonola Caserta competing in the Serie A, where he averaged 19.7 points and led the league with 15.8 rebounds as Caserta secured its inaugural championship in the 1990–91 season.
Returning stateside, Shackleford inked a three-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1991 reportedly worth $1.3 million annually. Over two seasons—starting most games during his first year—he averaged 6.6 points and 5.8 rebounds during the 1991–92 NBA season.
In the 1993–94 campaign, he rejoined Caserta on a reported $1 million contract and once again topped league rebounding charts.
Shackleford briefly returned to NBA action with the Minnesota Timberwolves in September 1994 but was waived after participating in just 21 games by February 1995.
Subsequently, he signed with Turkish club Ülkerspor, where he led the EuroLeague in rebounding (12.4 per game) during the 1995–96 season. Despite being Turkish basketball’s highest-paid import at that time, concerns over injury and motivation led to his release.
The following year saw him join Greek team Aris Thessaloniki, contributing to their victory in the European third-tier 1997 Korać Cup. Even while contending with arthritis, he led that league’s rebounding statistics.
After undergoing knee surgery, Shackleford briefly signed with the Washington Wizards but was released within a week in October 1997. He returned to Greece later that season to play for P.A.O.K..
Following a short tenure with the Continental Basketball Association’s Idaho Stampede, he joined the Charlotte Hornets in January 1999. Appearing in 32 games during the lockout-shortened 1998–99 NBA season, this marked his final professional campaign.
After his contract ended in July 1999, Shackleford attempted tryouts with various NBA teams but ultimately retired from professional basketball in 2000.
Legal matters
In March 1990, Shackleford was detained in Orange, New Jersey for possessing several grams of marijuana. Although this constituted an offense, it did not amount to a criminal charge and did not breach the NBA's anti-drug regulations. He received a probation sentence as a result.
During a traffic stop in Johnston County, North Carolina in January 2006, he was arrested on charges including carrying a concealed weapon and misdemeanor possession of marijuana and cocaine. He secured release by posting an $11,000 bail.
Following a car crash in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in January 2010, Shackleford acknowledged driving with a suspended license and faced charges of hindering or resisting arrest by giving false information. Later that same year, law enforcement apprehended him in Kinston, North Carolina for selling prescription medications to an undercover officer during a sting operation. With no assets remaining from his professional basketball career, he was assigned a court-appointed lawyer.
Death
Shackleford passed away at the age of 50 on January 27, 2017, at his residence in Kinston, North Carolina, due to a heart attack.