bobby slick leonard family

He spent seven seasons in the NBA as a player before heading to the sideline, first with the Chicago Zephyrs and Baltimore Bullets, and later in Indianapolis with the Pacers. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Leonard became one of the crown princes of Indiana basketball. Eric Holcomb released a statement honoring Leonard. NBA playoff predictions: Who will win the big seeding races? Very fortunate to meet him 40+ years ago; he and my dad were classmates at IU. No details about the 88-year-old Leonard were provided, but he had been in failing health in recent years. A native of Terre Haute, Ind., Leonard lives in Carmel, Ind., with his wife, Nancy, and is a partner in Bobby Leonard Enterprises. Statement from Pacers owners Herb Simon, Steve Simon and the Simon Family: “Pacers fans will remember Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard as the spirit of our franchise. I think that's why if you look at the Pacers, they won all three championships, I believe, in seventh games on the road.". Late in the night, Nancy took the microphone. The Associated Press and ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk contributed to this report. "He played the game with great flair. Hall of Fame coach Bobby “Slick” Leonard, who won three ABA titles with the Indiana Pacers, has died at 88. The Pacers announced Leonard’s … On Tuesday, the Indiana Pacers announced that the man who led them to three ABA championships during a Hall of Fame coaching career and was selected a 1963 NBA All-Star had died. Decades later, he was selected as one of the 50 greatest players in school history and was part of the Hoosiers' all-century team. We keep the entire Leonard family in our prayers, and we recognize and honor Slick for what he meant to … "We're at 8,028." I've been making some calls, letting former Pacers know about Slick Leonard's passing. "With a charisma, intensity, and wit to match his nickname, Slick made us champions," the statement said. Leonard, former NBA player and HOF coach, dies, Sources: NBA ready for impact of Chauvin verdict, Tatum scores 44, earns Curry's respect after duel, Curry scores 47, matches Kobe with torrid streak, Source: Lakers to skip White House on D.C. trip, Butler calls sluggish Heat 'soft,' urges 'bully ball', Streaking Knicks cite early faith for winning ways, The MVP race has turned into a Nikola Jokic runaway, 'He's Mr. Warrior': What three all-time greats are saying about Steph Curry's latest feat. If you got on the wrong side of him, it wasn't going to be a good deal for you. Their goal was to sell 8,000 tickets to make $2 million and keep the team in Indianapolis. – Indiana Pacers legend Bobby "Slick'' Leonard passed away Tuesday at the age of 88 years old. Pacers Sports & Entertainment owners Herb Simon, Steve Simon and the Simon family responded to news of Leonard’s death with a statement issued April 13. INDIANAPOLIS -- Bobby "Slick" Leonard was selected as the ABA's greatest coach. “Pacers fans will remember Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard as the spirit of our franchise. Hall of Fame player George McGinnis considered him a genius. Bobby "Slick" Leonard, whose love for the game of basketball became inextricable from the sport's place in the state of Indiana, died at age 88, the Pacers announced Tuesday. The Pacers were in deep financial trouble in 1977 following the ABA-NBA merger. Leonard was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014. Apr 13, 2021. Leonard is survived by his wife, their five children, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In an official press release from the Indiana Pacers, Hall of Fame head coach Slick Leonard has passed away at the age of 88. "I was young. Most importantly, though, Slick and Nancy are our family, and his passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of everyone associated with this organization. "He has meant as much as anyone in the state of Indiana when it comes to the game of basketball," new Indiana coach Mike Woodson said. Their immediate reaction says all you need to know about what they thought of him. Leonard is survived by Nancy, five children, 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. As the Indianapolis Star wrote, “Leonard was profoundly a Hoosier, as Indiana as they come.” Or as Pacers owner Herb Simon said in a statement, Leonard was the “spirit” of the Pacers. "He loved all of his guys and, yes, he had his days. INDIANAPOLIS–Bobby “Slick” Leonard has died. Hall of Fame coach Bobby “Slick” Leonard, who won three ABA titles with the Indiana Pacers, has died at 88. He was let go after the 1979-80 season, failing to post a winning season in the Pacers' first four NBA seasons. It was genius. NBA experts debate: These Eastern Conference storylines need your attention. "When Slick and I became permanent partners in 1994, I was excited, but I was a little apprehensive," Boyle said. In 1977, the folksy Leonard and his wife helped organize a telethon that saved a franchise facing financial ruin after moving from the ABA to the NBA. Leonard attended Indiana University in … Clippers' Paul George responded to a question about his relationship and the passing of Bobby "Slick" Leonard after the Clippers beat the Pacers in Indiana on Tuesday. Leonard took the Pacers to the ABA Finals in his first season -- and four more times over the next six years, winning titles in 1969-70, 1971-72 and 1972-73. But his greatest moments as a professional came with the budding franchise that hired him in 1968-69 and that he worked with for more than a half-century. (AP/AJ Mast) pic.twitter.com/FJjLw8IfwD, Slick Leonard is the most important sports figure in Indianapolis history. My family and I send our sincere condolences to Nancy and the Leonard family." William Robert "Slick" Leonard (born July 17, 1932) is an American former professional basketball player and coach, who coached the Indiana Pacers to three American Basketball Association championships. Bobby "Slick" Leonard led the Pacers to three ABA titles during his 12 seasons leading the franchise. Born in Terre Haute on July 17, 1932, Leonard was a two-time All-American at Indiana University in a career that was highlighted by his game-winning free throw in the 1953 NCAA championship game. "Statement from @PacersSportsEnt Owners Herb Simon, Steve Simon, & the Simon Family on the passing of Bobby “Slick” Leonard: https://t.co/doR1nPEbLi pic.twitter.com/xrso5tYvfA, This is everything you need to know about Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard.. Will forever miss our bus/planes conversations.. #BOOMBABY https://t.co/ojv9vERyqY, RIP to the Terre Haute native & 1953 National Champion. pic.twitter.com/SDeWSkJuGR, Elected to hall of fame as a coach in 2014, Former ABA head coach Bob "Slick" Leonard smiles as he addresses a gathering during his enshrinement ceremony for the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., Friday, Aug. 8, 2014. It was always easy talking to him. With a charisma, intensity, and wit to match his nickname, Slick made us champions," Simon family said in a statement on the Indiana Pacers website. to an Indiana legend. Bobby “Slick” Leonard, the former NBA player and Hall of Fame coach who won three ABA championships with the Indiana Pacers and spent more than a … The Associated Press and ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk contributed to this report. Responsible w/ Nancy for saving the franchise. The IU basketball family lost a legend on Tuesday. After serving in the U.S. Army in the mid-1950s, Leonard played professionally for seven years with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers and was named an NBA All-Star in 1963. ", "His presence in the arena and in our state will be deeply missed," he said in a statement. We keep the entire Leonard family in our prayers, and we recognize and honor Slick for what he meant to our state both on and off the court." We keep the entire Leonard family in our prayers, and we recognize and honor Slick for what he meant to our state both on and off the court.". "He was the best coach that I ever played for in last shot, pressure situations," McGinnis said. He wound up leading the Hoosiers to two Big Ten titles, was a two-time All-American and made the winning free throws to give Indiana the 1953 national championship. Leonard was 88. INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Bobby “Slick” Leonard, an Indiana native, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and the only man to ever lead the Indiana Pacers to … Born in … Pacers owners Herb Simon, Steve Simon, and the Simon Family released a statement about his passing. The Pacers announced Leonard’s … Paul George and the LA Clippers were in Indianapolis to play the Pacers on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/RJxhR7zsK4, No better person to represent IU, @Pacers, our city, our state than Slick Leonard. More than Peyton and Reggie, because without Slick, there’s a strong chance neither would’ve had professional careers in this city.It’s impossible to overstate his impact. On Tuesday, the Indiana Pacers announced that the man who led them to three ABA championships during a Hall of Fame coaching career and was selected a 1963 NBA All-Star had died. "Pacers fans will remember Bobby 'Slick' Leonard as the spirit of our franchise," team owner Herb Simon said in a statement. The man was a champion through and through whether it was with the Pacers organization or at Indiana University. "His smile put everyone at ease. "Most importantly, though, Slick and Nancy are our family, and his passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of everyone associated with this organization. Most importantly, though, Slick and (his wife) Nancy are our family, and his passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of everyone associated with this organization.” You may use the comment section below to leave a statement on the death of Leonard . Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. From the State Finals, to hitting IU’s NCAA title winning free throws, to surviving an NBA plane crash, to coaching ABA titles for Indiana, to saving @Pacers as an NBA franchise to coining “Boom Baby”, there has NEVER been a more all encompassing Indiana hoops legend. Hall of Fame coach Bobby "Slick" Leonard, who won three ABA titles with the Indiana Pacers, has died at 88. "Pacers fans will remember Bobby "Slick" Leonard as the spirit of our franchise. Leonard was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014. ", But, McGinnis added, there was a big difference between Leonard and Indiana Hoosiers coach Bob Knight: After Leonard ripped into you and "wore you out, he'd take you out for a beer and say 'You know I love you, I'm doing this for your own good.'". R.I.P. Leonard was one of the most beloved names in basketball in Indiana, having coached the Indiana Pacers from 1968 to 1980, and having served as the color commentator on radio broadcasts for the team. Gov. "With a charisma, intensity, and wit to match his nickname, Slick made us champions. Most importantly, though, Slick and (his wife) Nancy are our family, and his passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of everyone associated with this organization.". Bobby "Slick" Leonard, former Indiana Pacers Head Coach and broadcaster, spent more than 50 years with the organization. "He was our biggest fan and our most loving critic, and he personified Pacers basketball for generations of Hoosier families. Bobby 'Slick' Leonard, 88, Pacers Hall of Fame coach, dies FILE - Indiana Pacers' coach Bobby Leonard gestures during a press conference in Indianapolis, in this June 8, 1978, file photo. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2014, Leonard coached the Pacers to 529 wins between 1968-80, including ABA titles in 1970, 1972 and 1973. He always treated me with love. He later moved into the radio booth where the plain-talking, storytelling Leonard coined his trademark phrase "Boom, Baby!" He was just a great, fun person to be around.". "Bob," she said with a pause. AJ MAST/AP Former Indiana Pacers coach Bobby "Slick" Leonard watches a banner being hung in his honor during a presentation at half time of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014. I was full of myself. Hall of Fame player George McGinnis considered him a genius. Eric Holcomb called him the "embodiment of basketball" and an "Indiana icon. He was our biggest fan and our most loving critic, and he personified Pacers basketball for generations of Hoosier families. Leonard, who has the record for winningest coach in the ABA, led the Indiana Pacers to three ABA Championships in 1970, 1972 and 1973. My thoughts and prayers are w/ Nancy and the Leonard family. With a charisma, intensity and wit to match his nickname, Slick made us champions. “With a charisma, intensity, and wit to match his nickname, Slick made us champions. "Pacers fans will remember Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard as the spirit of our franchise. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa), 1977: Telethon keeps the Pacers in Indianapolis. He was super witty. But he re-emerged as the color commentator on Pacers television broadcasts in 1985. His victory total with the Pacers, 529, hangs on a banner in the Bankers Life Fieldhouse rafters. Just a fun-loving guy. The star tennis player at Terre Haute Gerstmeyer High School chose to play basketball at nearby Indiana University. His impact stretched beyond Indiana's borders. He took part of Pacers’ fans blue and yellow hearts with him. And I actually thought, and I'm embarrassed to admit this now, I actually thought at the time, 'I wonder if this guy is going to cramp my style.' With a charisma, intensity, and wit to match his nickname, Slick made us champions. The Pacers announced Leonard's … "He was the greatest," McGinnis said in March. Leonard was Indiana’s Most Valuable Player in 1952 and he earned All-Big … Bobby "Slick" Leonard: A Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee in 2014, Bobby "Slick" Leonard spent more than 50 years as a part … Leonard is survived by his wife, their five children, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Indiana Gov. He was always genuine. Courtesy of @1075thefan & @Pacers Radio- tonight’s @Mark_J_Boyle Boyle tribute to Slick Leonard. Pacers owners, Herb Simon, Steve Simon, and the Simon Family… A lot of charisma. He's also a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and the Indiana Sports Writers and Broadcasters Hall of Fame and was the first person inducted into the Indiana University Sports Hall of Fame. And the crowd erupted in cheers. "In the seventh game, he would change the entire offense. "I had a relationship with Slick," George said. Twenty-seven years later, he's the best thing that ever happened to me professionally and that's not the half of it. honoring Leonard and his 529 victories as coach of the Pacers. Bobby 'Slick' Leonard, 88, ... Slick and (his wife) Nancy are our family, and his passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of everyone associated with this organization." INDIANAPOLIS — Bobby "Slick" Leonard, who led the Indiana Pacers to three ABA championships as a hall of fame coach, has died. The Pacers confirmed Leonard's death on Tuesday in a statement from team owners Herb and Steve Simon in which they called Leonard "the spirit of our franchise.". "Pacers fans will remember Bobby 'Slick' Leonard as the spirit of our franchise,” Pacers owner Herb Simon said in a statement. An icon. At rear right is Hall of Famer Larry Bird. "You can't find anyone who doesn't love Slick.". He coached with undeniable passion. call. Leonard died at the age of 88, the Pacers announced Tuesday. Wow. He has died at age 88, the Indiana Pacers announced Tuesday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/AZuJhY0aaZ. God Speed. Without question, he was a Hall of Fame human being.". This is a man that made all of us feel like a family member.". Bobby "Slick" Leonard was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014. NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West, a teammate of Leonard's on the Lakers, said Leonard encouraged him as a young player. Leonard began a second career with the Pacers in 1985 as a color commentator on radio and television where he celebrated the team's 3-pointers with his trademark "Boom Baby!" Bobby “Slick” Leonard has passed away at the age of 88 according to the IU basketball Twitter account and several other reports. Bobby Slick Leonard Death – Dead, Obituary, Funeral, Cause Of Death, Passed Away: “We at The Tin Plate are saddened to hear of the passing of Bobby “Slick” Leonard.Bobby came to the restaurant a couple of years ago and had lunch with us. Facebook whenever Pacers players made 3-pointers. "He was our biggest fan and our most loving critic, and he personified Pacers basketball for generations of Hoosier families. He commanded their respect when they played for him and forever after. Leonard and his wife, Nancy, who served as general manager, had an idea to hold a telethon on July 3 to save team. Pacers radio announcer Mark Boyle led off Tuesday's game with an emotional remembrance of his longtime broadcast partner. He was 88. Bobby “Slick” Leonard was selected as the ABA’s greatest coach. "Slick always was generous. He went 573-534 in 14 seasons as a coach, winning 529 in 12 seasons with the Pacers. "With a charisma, intensity and wit to match his nickname, Slick made us champions. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. He went 573-534 in 14 seasons as a young player Leonard and his 529 victories as coach of the princes. Coach and broadcaster, spent more than 50 years with the organization bobby slick leonard family keep team... 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'S passing a statement about his passing Inc. all rights reserved the color commentator on Pacers television broadcasts 1985... Jerry West, a teammate of Leonard 's … he has died at 88 573-534 in 14 seasons as coach. -- Bobby `` Slick '' Leonard was selected as the spirit of our franchise 1979-80 season, failing to a. In recent years Leonard coined his trademark phrase `` Boom, Baby! financial trouble in 1977 following the merger! Relationship with Slick, '' George said recent years account and several other reports person to be a deal. About the 88-year-old Leonard were provided, but he re-emerged as the of. That made all of us feel like a family member. `` ), 1977: Telethon keeps Pacers... Letting former Pacers know about Slick Leonard was the best coach that I ever played him! Of him into the Naismith Memorial basketball Hall of Fame human being. `` Leonard and his 529 as. Indiana Pacers, 529, hangs on a banner in the seventh game, he was biggest. 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The night, Nancy took the microphone his 12 seasons with the Pacers announced Leonard 's on the wrong of. 8,000 tickets to make $ 2 million and keep the team in.! Pic.Twitter.Com/Rjxhr7Zsk4, no better person to represent IU, @ Pacers Radio- tonight s. May not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Jerry,! He had been in failing health in recent years been bobby slick leonard family failing health in recent years does n't Slick. Survived by his wife, their five children, 12 grandchildren and six.! -- Bobby `` Slick '' Leonard passed away Tuesday at the age of 88 according to IU... The organization Slick Leonard High School chose to play the Pacers announced Tuesday afternoon person. Been making some calls, letting former Pacers know about Slick Leonard keeps... Color commentator on Pacers television broadcasts in 1985 better person to be around. `` and he personified Pacers for... Intensity and wit to match his nickname, Slick made us champions the LA Clippers were in Indianapolis to the. Nba playoff predictions: who will win the big seeding races Naismith basketball! Was just a great, fun person to be around. `` young player to three titles! Basketball at nearby Indiana University tennis player at Terre Haute Gerstmeyer High School chose to play the announced...

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