Ex-Husky Christian Welp dies at 51

SEATTLE -- Christian Welp, the 7-foot German center who holds the University of Washington's career scoring record and played three seasons in the NBA, has died. He was 51.

The school confirmed the death Sunday. It didn't provide details.

Huskies coach Lorenzo Romar says Welp's passing is an "extremely sad loss."

Welp finished his Washington career in 1987 as the school's career leader in points, rebounding and blocks. He scored 2,073 points for the Huskies and was a three-time all-Pac-10 selection. Welp was the Pac-10 player of the year in 1986 and helped lead the Huskies to consecutive conference regular-season titles.

Welp was drafted No. 16 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1987. He played two seasons with the 76ers and split the 1989-90 season with Golden State and San Antonio. Welp won nine championships in Europe after his NBA career ended.