Sleepy Floyd

American basketball player who starred at Georgetown University and became famous for his spectacular NBA playoff performances in the 1980s and 1990s.

Eric Augustus Floyd was born in Gastonia, North Carolina in 1960. He attended Georgetown University and was the offensive centerpiece of the program in the years immediately preceding Patrick Ewing's arrival. He averaged 18.6 points per game across his four Georgetown seasons and was a key contributor to the 1982 team that reached the national championship game — losing to North Carolina and Michael Jordan's famous shot. His scoring ability from the guard position gave Georgetown its first genuine perimeter threat under coach John Thompson. He was selected 13th overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 1982 NBA Draft. His NBA career produced the most celebrated individual playoff performance of the mid-1980s — 51 points in Game 6 of the 1987 Western Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers, including 29 points in the fourth quarter, the most by any player in a playoff quarter at the time. His Georgetown career prepared him for the spotlight but his professional moment against the Lakers defined his legacy. His nickname Sleepy — given for his heavy-lidded, deceptively languid demeanour — belied an explosive scorer beneath.

Floyd was a crafty point guard with exceptional scoring ability and court vision. He possessed a smooth jump shot and was particularly effective at creating his own shot in clutch situations. His calm demeanor and basketball IQ allowed him to control game tempo effectively.

Remembered for historic 1987 playoff performance against Lakers and solid NBA career as scoring point guard

• Final Four (1982)
• Big East All-Freshman Team
• All-Big East
• Consensus All-American consideration
• NBA All-Star (1987)