Former Kentucky center Melvin Turpin, aged 49, has died by his own hand at his home in Lexington earlier today.
Known popularly as “Dinner Bell Mel” because of his size, and “The Dipper” because of his mass and his combination of strength and finesse around the basket, Turpin played four seasons at Kentucky from 1980-84 and comprised half of the famed Twin Towers duo, along with Sam Bowie. His play during his senior year earned him first-team all-SEC honors and spots on many 2nd- and 3rd-team all-America lists. He was drafted sixth overall by the Washington Bullets [...]
