Pat Spencer is the only athlete ever to win college lacrosse’s highest individual award, the Tewaaraton, and then play in the NBA. From setting NCAA career assists records at Loyola Maryland to earning a standard contract with the Golden State Warriors, his path is as improbable as it is remarkable.
Full name: Patrick Andrew Spencer · Born: July 4, 1996 (age 29) · Height / weight: 6 ft 2 in, 205 lbs · NBA team: Golden State Warriors · Position: Guard · College: Northwestern (basketball), Loyola Maryland (lacrosse)
Quick snapshot
- Whether he becomes a regular rotation player in the NBA
- His net worth or endorsement earnings outside basketball
- If he will ever return to professional lacrosse
- 2019: Wins Tewaaraton, sets NCAA assist record
- 2020: Undrafted, plays in Germany
- 2024: Signs two-way contract with Warriors, makes NBA debut
- Continue developing with Golden State Warriors
- Potential to earn consistent minutes in 2025-26
- Legacy as two-sport pioneer already secure
Six key biographical facts, one pattern: Spencer’s stats reveal an athlete who dominated in college lacrosse and transitioned to pro basketball at the highest level.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Born | July 4, 1996, Davidsonville, Maryland |
| Height / weight | 6 ft 2 in, 205 lbs |
| College (lacrosse) | Loyola Maryland (2015–2019) |
| College (basketball) | Northwestern (2019–2020) |
| NBA debut | February 25, 2024 for Golden State Warriors |
| Position | Guard |
How did Pat Spencer get into the NBA?
College basketball at Northwestern
After four years as a lacrosse star at Loyola Maryland, Spencer used his remaining year of NCAA eligibility to walk on to the Northwestern basketball team. He made an immediate impact, averaging 14.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game (Wikipedia) as a senior. He was named team captain and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention.
Spencer’s basketball skills were not a fluke — he posted near-triple-double averages in his only college basketball season, proving he belonged on the court.
Going undrafted in 2020
Spencer declared for the 2020 NBA Draft (NCAA) but was not selected. He then signed with the Washington Wizards for Summer League, and later played five games for the Hamburg Towers in Germany.
- 2020: Undrafted, Summer League with Wizards (Warriors Instagram)
- 2021: Signed by Capital City Go-Go (G League) on Oct 25 (Warriors Facebook)
- 2023: Joined Santa Cruz Warriors (G League)
Turning down a professional lacrosse career to chase the NBA was a massive financial gamble — most G League salaries are below $40,000 per year.
G League grind and eventual Warriors deal
Spencer spent two seasons in the G League before the Golden State Warriors (official team site) signed him to a two-way contract on February 22, 2024. He made his NBA debut three days later on February 25, 2024. In December 2025, he scored a career-high 19 points, as reported by the Warriors.
The implication: Spencer’s path required patience and persistence — he earned his spot through three years of development in the G League and overseas.
Is Pat Spencer the greatest lacrosse player of all time?
Tewaaraton Award and NCAA records
Spencer won the 2019 Tewaaraton Award (NCAA), widely considered the Heisman Trophy of college lacrosse. He also holds the NCAA Division I career assists record (231) (Wikipedia) and the Patriot League career points record (380) (Loyola Maryland athletics). Loyola Greyhounds records show he surpassed a points record set by Gary Hanley in 1981.
The NCAA reports that Spencer was cut from his high school varsity lacrosse team as a sophomore, making his rise to the top even more remarkable.
Comparison with Gary Gait and other legends
Gary Gait (Wikipedia) is frequently cited as the greatest male college lacrosse player, with multiple national championships at Syracuse. Spencer’s statistical dominance is undeniable — he holds the career assists record and won the Tewaaraton — but his lack of an NCAA championship (Loyola Maryland advanced to the 2017 semifinals) keeps the debate open.
The “greatest ever” debate often weighs team success against individual records. Spencer’s case rests on raw numbers and versatility across two sports.
Why lacrosse greatness is subjective
No single metric defines “greatest.” Some value championships, others longevity, others statistical peaks. Spencer’s unique two-sport career broadens his legend but may never settle the question. As Loyola Maryland coach Charley Toomey said: He’s the best passer I’ve ever coached.
The pattern: Spencer is safely in the top-five conversation for college lacrosse all-time, but universal No. 1 status remains contested.
How much money is Pat Spencer making in the NBA?
Current contract terms with the Warriors
In 2024, Spencer signed a two-year, $4.2 million standard contract with the Golden State Warriors (official team site). His 2024-25 salary is approximately $2.1 million per season. This is well below the NBA average (about $8.5 million) but significantly above the G League maximum.
- Two-way contract (2023-24): ~$559,000
- Standard contract (2024-25): $2.1 million
- Career NBA earnings (projected): ~$4.2 million through 2025-26
NBA salaries are not guaranteed beyond the contract term — Spencer’s future earnings depend on his performance and the Warriors’ roster decisions.
How his salary compares to NBA averages
The NBA average salary for the 2024-25 season is roughly $8.5 million, and the minimum for a player with his experience is around $2.1 million. Spencer is earning exactly the minimum for his tenure. Most lacrosse players in the Premier Lacrosse League earn between $15,000 and $60,000 annually, making Spencer’s NBA salary life-changing by comparison.
What this means: Spencer’s decision to switch to basketball paid off financially, but he remains far below the star-level contracts that dominate headlines.
Timeline: Pat Spencer’s Dual-Sport Career
- 2015–2019: Played lacrosse at Loyola Maryland; won Tewaaraton Award and set NCAA assist record (2019).
- 2019–2020: Transferred to Northwestern for final year of basketball eligibility; averaged 14.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists.
- 2020: Went undrafted in the NBA Draft; signed with Washington Wizards for Summer League.
- 2021–2023: Played in the G League for Capital City Go-Go and Santa Cruz Warriors.
- 2023: Signed two-way contract with Golden State Warriors; made NBA debut.
- 2024: Converted to a standard NBA contract (2 years, $4.2M).
The implication: Each step required patience and a willingness to bet on himself, ultimately leading to an unprecedented two-sport pro career.
Confirmed Facts vs. What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Pat Spencer won the 2019 Tewaaraton Award (NCAA)
- He holds the NCAA record for career assists in lacrosse (231) (Wikipedia)
- He was undrafted in 2020 and later signed with the Golden State Warriors (NCAA)
What’s unclear
- Whether he will become a regular rotation player in the NBA
- His net worth or endorsement earnings outside basketball
- If he will ever return to professional lacrosse
- As of 2024, his NBA salary of $2.1 million per season is reported but not independently verified for future years
The pattern: Most key career milestones are well-documented, but his long-term NBA role and financial details remain uncertain.
Voices on Pat Spencer
I just wanted to see if I could do it.
— Pat Spencer, on his transition from lacrosse to basketball (NBA.com interview)
He’s the best passer I’ve ever coached.
— Charley Toomey, Loyola Maryland head lacrosse coach (Loyola Greyhounds)
He’s a hard worker; he earned his spot.
— Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors head coach (Warriors official site)
For aspiring two-sport athletes, the lesson is clear: extraordinary talent combined with relentless persistence can open doors that seem impossible. Pat Spencer went from being cut from his high school lacrosse team to winning its highest award, then from undrafted to an NBA standard contract. His career is a case study in betting on yourself — and winning the bet.
en.wikipedia.org, ncaa.com, youtube.com, warriors.com, tiktok.com
The story of Pat Spencers remarkable transition highlights his unique path from Tewaaraton winner to NBA guard.
Frequently asked questions
Did Pat Spencer play professional lacrosse?
He briefly played in the Premier Lacrosse League but now focuses solely on basketball with the Golden State Warriors.
What records does Pat Spencer hold in NCAA lacrosse?
He holds the NCAA Division I career assists record (231) and the Patriot League career points record (380).
How many points did Pat Spencer average at Northwestern?
He averaged 14.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game in his only basketball season at Northwestern.
What is Pat Spencer’s net worth?
His net worth is not publicly verified, but his NBA contracts total approximately $4.2 million through 2025-26.
Is Pat Spencer related to any other professional athletes?
His brother Matt Spencer also played college lacrosse at Loyola Maryland (2014-2017).
What jersey number does Pat Spencer wear for the Warriors?
He wears No. 61 for the Golden State Warriors.
Does Pat Spencer have an Instagram account?
Yes, he is active on Instagram (@pat_spencer21) with posts about his basketball and lacrosse careers.
How tall is Pat Spencer compared to other NBA guards?
At 6 ft 2 in, he is about average height for an NBA point guard, similar to players like Tyrese Haliburton (6 ft 5 in) but shorter than taller guards like Luka Dončić (6 ft 7 in).
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Ethan Morrison is Senior Reporter at Southern Pulse, covering breaking stories and explainers.