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Robert Louis Boozer (April 26, 1937 – May 19, 2012) was an American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Boozer won a gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics and won an NBA Championship as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971. Boozer was a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team, which was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a unit in 2010.

Key Information

Early years

[edit]
Boozer as a junior at Kansas State

Boozer was born to John and Viola Boozer on April 26, 1937, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. His family moved to Omaha, Nebraska in the 1940s, after his father's employer (the University of Alabama) had repeatedly denied him pay raises and passed him over for promotion. Boozer remembered taking the trains to move to Omaha. It has also been reported that the family moved from Tuscaloosa to Omaha when Boozer was seven years old, where his father worked in a meat packing plant and his mother as a hotel maid in Omaha.[1][2][3][4] It has also been stated he was born on the same date in North Omaha, Nebraska, where he was raised, though the weight of reporting favors his birth in Tuscaloosa. He graduated from Omaha Technical High School (Tech High) in Omaha. One of his teammates was future Baseball Hall-of-Famer Bob Gibson.[5][6][7][8]

Omaha Tech was the Inter-City League champion in 1955, with Boozer setting a league scoring record. He was 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) tall when he played high school basketball, and had the ability to score from anywhere on the court.[9][10]

College and Olympics

[edit]

He attended Kansas State University, playing forward on the basketball team under future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Tex Winter.[11][12] Boozer received consensus first-team All-America honors in both 1958 and 1959.[11][13] He is the only Kansas State player to be a consensus All-American twice.[14][15] In 1959, Boozer was one of the twenty collegians selected to play in the East-West All-Star Game.[16]

As a junior, Boozer helped lead the Wildcats to the NCAA's 1958 Final Four, where they were defeated by the Elgin Baylor led Seattle University, 73–51.[17] Earlier in the tournament, Kansas State and Boozer had defeated future teammate Oscar Robertson's University of Cincinnati team in the NCAA Midwest Regional, 83–80 (Robertson with 30 points and 14 rebounds and Boozer with 24 points and 14 rebounds). Both players unanimously made the Midwest Regional All-Tournament Team.[18][19]

Kansas State and Boozer lost the Big Seven conference championship in 1957 to fellow sophomore Wilt Chamberlain's University of Kansas team. In the decisive game, Chamberlain had 24 points and 17 rebounds and Boozer had 22 points and nine rebounds. However, Kansas State was Big Eight conference champion in 1958 and 1959, with Boozer named Big Eight Player of the Year in both 1958 and 1959.[15][20][21][22][23]

In his junior year, Boozer joined Chamberlain on the December 1957 Big Eight Holiday Tournament All-Tournament team.[24][25] In February 1958, No. 4 ranked Kansas State defeated No. 2 ranked Kansas in double overtime, with Boozer scoring 32 points to Chamberlain's 25; after Kansas earlier had won their matchup in the Holiday Tournament, with Chamberlain scoring 38.[26]

As a sophomore Boozer averaged 19.6 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, and 20.1 points and 10.4 rebounds per game as a junior. Boozer was the Big Eight's second leading scorer in the 1957-58 season, behind only Chamberlain. In his senior year (1958-59), he averaged a Big-Eight conference best 25.6 points per game (sixth nationally), along with 11.3 rebounds per game, second only to Bill Bridges (13.7) in the Big Eight.[27][28][29][30] Boozer is one of only two Kansas State players in school history to average a career double-double (21.9 points and 10.7 rebounds per game over 77 games). His 25.6 points per game was a school record until 2007-08 when broken by Michael Beasley.[15]

A versatile 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) forward, he was selected by the Cincinnati Royals with the first non-territorial pick of the 1959 NBA draft, but he postponed his NBA career for one year so that he could remain eligible to play in the 1960 Summer Olympics.[31] During that year he played with the Peoria Caterpillars, where he won the National AAU Tournament title and earned Most Valuable Player honors for the tournament.[32]

He won a gold medal with the Olympic team after they won eight games by an average of 42.4 points. The team was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.[31][33]

NBA career

[edit]

Cincinnati Royals

[edit]

In the fall of 1960, Boozer joined the Royals with Olympic teammate Oscar Robertson, who would be the NBA's Rookie of the Year that season and is considered one of the NBA's greatest all-time players. As a rookie, Boozer played in all 79 games the Royals played, contributing 8.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in a reserve role.[34][35][36] The following season, he earned a spot at power forward in the Royals’ starting lineup and averaged 13.7 points and 10.2 rebounds.[37] While the Royals lost to the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs, Boozer averaged 18.3 points and 10.5 rebounds in four games.[5]

Boozer continued to improve, averaging 14.3 points and 11.1 rebounds during the 1962–1963 season.[38] In the Royals 3–2 playoff series win against the Syracuse Nationals, Boozer averaged 17 points and 8.6 rebounds in five games. The Royals lost the ensuing seven game playoff series to the Boston Celtics, where Boozer averaged 10.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.[5]

Boozer had averaged 31.5 minutes per game in his second and third years.[37][38] With the emergence of rookie power forward Jerry Lucas, 1963-64 Rookie of the Year and a future Hall-of-Famer who averaged over 41 minutes per game,[39][40][41] Boozer was out of the starting lineup and his playing time fell to less than 23 minutes per game,[42] pushing Boozer out of the Royals' long-term plans. Lucas was one of Boozer's 1960 Olympic teammates.[43]

New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers

[edit]

In December 1963, Boozer was involved in a three-team set of trades. The New York Knicks traded Donnis Butcher and Bob Duffy and a player to be named later to the Detroit Pistons, for Johnny Egan and Larry Staverman. Boozer was then traded to the Knicks for Staverman and undisclosed amount of cash.[44] Once traded to the Knicks, Boozer averaged 11 more minutes per game, with a 17.5 point and 8.5 rebound per game average with the Knicks during the remainder of the 1963-64 season.[45] Boozer played the 1964-65 season with the Knicks, averaging 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.[46]

Though Boozer was a productive player with the Knicks, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1965 for future Hall of Fame guard Dick Barnett.[47][48] After one season in Los Angeles, where he played a supporting role amid players like Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, averaging 12.2 points and seven rebounds in nearly 24 minutes per game,[49] Boozer was left open in the 1966 NBA Expansion draft, where he was taken by the Chicago Bulls.[50]

Chicago Bulls

[edit]

Boozer flourished in his first year with Chicago, under coach Johnny "Red" Kerr, averaging 18.0 points and 8.5 rebounds. He led the young franchise into the playoffs, along with two All-Star guards, future Hall of Fame player Guy Rodgers and Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan. The team was only 33–48, but that was good enough to qualify for the 1967 playoffs.[51][52][53][54] Although swept by the St. Louis Hawks in the playoffs (3–0), Boozer averaged team highs in points (19.7) and rebounds (11.7) per game.[55]

The following year, he averaged 21.5 points and 9.8 rebounds and became the third Bull to appear in the NBA All-Star Game (after Rodgers and Sloan).[56][57] Although the Bulls had a 29–53 record they again made the playoffs, losing in five games to the Lakers, Boozer averaging 18.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.[58] During the 1968–1969 season, Boozer averaged a career-high 21.7 points per game, but the Bulls failed to make the playoffs.[5][59] In September of 1969, Boozer was traded along with Barry Clemens to the Seattle SuperSonics for Bob Kauffman.[60] In three years with the Bulls, Boozer averaged 20.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, his best all around performance on any of his teams.[5]

Seattle SuperSonics and Milwaukee Bucks

[edit]

In 1969-70, Boozer started at power forward for Seattle, playing in all 82 games, and averaging 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.[61] After a season with the SuperSonics, Boozer was traded in September 1970 to the Bucks with Lucius Allen for Zaid Abdul-Aziz (Don Smith).[5] Boozer played a key role as a reserve as the Bucks won their first NBA Championship, in Boozer's final NBA season (1970-71).[62] Boozer averaged 22.2 minutes, 9.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.[5] He was the 6th leading scorer and 5th leading rebounder on a team that included his Olympic and Cincinnati teammate Oscar Robertson, and future Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.[63]

Honors

[edit]

Boozer was inducted to the inaugural Kansas State Athletics Hall of Fame class of 1990, and his Kansas State No. 30 jersey was retired in 2005. He received the most votes of any player for Kansas State's team of the century. Boozer was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. He was also selected to the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.[15][64]

NBA career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1960–61 Cincinnati 79 19.9 .415 .672 6.2 1.4 8.4
1961–62 Cincinnati 79 31.5 .438 .707 10.2 1.6 13.7
1962–63 Cincinnati 79 31.5 .444 .714 11.1 1.3 14.3
1963–64 Cincinnati 32 22.7 .416 .622 5.6 1.0 11.0
New York 49 33.7 .432 .770 7.6 1.3 17.5
1964–65 New York 80 26.7 .440 .779 7.6 1.4 14.2
1965–66 L.A. Lakers 78 23.7 .484 .779 7.0 1.1 12.2
1966–67 Chicago 80 30.6 .487 .781 8.5 1.1 18.0
1967–68 Chicago 77 38.8 .492 .768 9.8 1.6 21.5
1968–69 Chicago 79 36.4 .481 .806 7.8 2.0 21.7
1969–70 Seattle 82 31.1 .491 .822 8.7 1.3 15.2
1970–71† Milwaukee 80 22.2 .450 .818 5.4 1.6 9.1
Career 874 29.2 .462 .761 8.1 1.4 14.8

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG PPG
1962 Cincinnati 4 35.8 .561 .750 10.5 0.8 18.3
1963 Cincinnati 12 31.8 .413 .714 8.0 1.5 13.3
1966 L.A. Lakers 10 18.1 .400 .750 5.0 0.7 6.7
1967 Chicago 3 35.0 .632 .786 11.7 0.3 19.7
1968 Chicago 5 38.0 .452 .737 8.8 2.4 18.8
1971 Milwaukee† 14 20.2 .482 .759 5.3 1.2 7.4
Career 48 26.7 .467 .739 7.1 1.2 11.6

He ended his career with 12,964 total points and 7,119 total rebounds.[5]

Post-basketball life

[edit]

Boozer returned to Omaha after his career ended, and worked as an executive for Bell Systems (Northwestern Bell) for 27 years; including ten years as a federal lobbyist.[31][64] He was later appointed to the Nebraska Parole Board and volunteered at Boys Town, the home for troubled youth.[65]

Bob Boozer Drive is a street named in his honor in his native Omaha. The street picks up from where 156th Street ends at West Center Road and goes north to Pacific Street.[64]

Death

[edit]

Boozer died due to a brain aneurysm in Omaha, Nebraska on May 19, 2012.[65] He was 75. He had been married to his wife Ella for 46 years at the time of his death.[15] After Boozer's death, Oscar Robertson said "'We grew up together. ... We were almost like brothers.'"[66]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bob Boozer

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from Grokipedia
Robert Boozer was an American professional basketball player who played as a forward in the (NBA) for 11 seasons from 1960 to 1971, earning selection as an in 1968 and contributing as a key reserve on the ' 1971 NBA championship team. Born on April 26, 1937, in , where he developed his skills at Omaha Technical High School before starring at . At Kansas State, Boozer was a two-time consensus first-team All-American (1958, 1959), while leading the Wildcats to notable success in the Big Eight Conference. Selected as the first overall pick in the 1959 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals, he deferred his professional debut by one year to compete for the United States in the 1960 Summer Olympics, where he helped secure a gold medal as part of the undefeated American team. Over his NBA career, Boozer suited up for six franchises—the Cincinnati Royals (1960–1964), New York Knicks (1963–1965), Los Angeles Lakers (1965–1966), Chicago Bulls (1966–1969), Seattle SuperSonics (1969–1970), and Milwaukee Bucks (1970–1971)—appearing in 874 games and accumulating 12,964 points, 7,119 rebounds, and an average of 14.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. Nicknamed "Sweet Touch" for his reliable mid-range jump shot, Boozer was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Hall of Fame in 2016, recognizing his contributions to the sport both domestically and internationally, and he passed away on May 19, 2012, in , at the age of 75.

Early Life

Childhood and Move to Omaha

Robert Louis Boozer was born on April 26, 1937, in , to parents John Glenn Boozer Sr. and Viola Cameron Boozer. In the late 1940s, his family relocated to , as part of the Great Migration, during which many African American families from the South sought better economic opportunities in northern industrial cities like Omaha, where meatpacking plants offered steady employment. The Boozers settled in the North Omaha neighborhood, a vibrant African American community, where Boozer's father took a job on the production line at Armour's Packinghouse, and his mother worked as a maid at the Hill Hotel; the family lived modestly at 25th and Erskine streets. As the only son, with an older sister named Mary, Boozer benefited from a supportive family structure that stressed the importance of education and perseverance as means to escape , though his parents—neither of whom advanced beyond the ninth grade—prioritized his sister's college attendance at while encouraging him to pursue a . In Omaha's inner-city environment, young Boozer gained early exposure to through informal play on local playgrounds and structured activities at the Near North , a hub of the community's sports culture that fostered athletic talent among African American youth. This foundational period in North Omaha naturally progressed into organized high school .

High School Career at Omaha Technical

Bob Boozer attended Omaha Technical High School in , graduating in 1955 after enrolling around 1951, a move that followed his family's relocation to the city and opened doors to enhanced educational and athletic prospects. At Tech, Boozer developed into a standout talent alongside key teammate , the future Hall of Famer who was two years his senior; the pair shared the court during the 1952–53 season and participated in multi-sport activities, including , fostering a bond through their athletic pursuits at the predominantly Black school. Playing primarily as a forward, Boozer's rapid growth to 6 feet 8 inches transformed him into a dominant force, and as a senior, he earned All-State recognition while setting league scoring records with high-points-per-game outputs that showcased his rebounding and finishing ability. Boozer captained the Phantoms to a strong season, culminating in a berth to the 1955 state tournament, where they posted competitive records but fell short in a semifinal matchup against Scottsbluff amid allegations of unfair play. His leadership and statistical contributions, including consistent double-digit scoring, helped establish Tech as a powerhouse despite not securing a state title. Boozer's high school exploits attracted college recruiters, with showing early interest in his imposing frame and scoring efficiency, ultimately securing his commitment after he faced rejections elsewhere due to institutional racial quotas. As one of the few African American athletes navigating Omaha's segregated landscape, Boozer encountered systemic barriers, including biased officiating in key games and broader that disadvantaged Black teams like Tech in interscholastic competition. These challenges underscored the racial inequities of the era, yet Boozer's resilience propelled him toward national prominence.

College and International Career

Kansas State University

Bob Boozer enrolled at in the fall of 1956, where freshmen were ineligible for varsity competition under the rules of the era, so he made his debut on the Wildcats' during the 1956–57 season as a . Over three varsity seasons from 1956–57 to 1958–59, Boozer emerged as a dominant forward, averaging 21.9 points and 10.7 rebounds per game across 77 contests, becoming one of only two Kansas State players in school history to post a career double-double. His scoring prowess was particularly evident in his senior year of 1958–59, when he averaged a then-school-record 25.6 points per game while leading the Big Eight Conference in both scoring and rebounding at 11.3 boards per game. Boozer also notched standout performances, including a 45-point, 16-rebound effort against Purdue during the 1958–59 season. Boozer's individual excellence earned him consensus first-team All-American honors in both 1958 and 1959, making him the only player in Kansas State history to achieve this distinction twice. He was also named Player of the Year in 1958 and 1959, guiding the Wildcats to back-to-back conference championships with 10–2 and 14–0 records, respectively, in those seasons. Under coach Tex Winter's innovative , Boozer played a pivotal role in elevating the program to national prominence, helping Kansas State secure NCAA Tournament berths in both 1958 and 1959; the team advanced to the in 1958 before falling to the eventual champion in the semifinals, and reached the Midwest Regional final in 1959, where they lost to 85–75 despite Boozer's 32 points. As one of the program's most decorated athletes, Boozer balanced his athletic achievements with academic success, graduating in 1959. Following his senior season, Boozer was selected as the first overall pick in the by the Cincinnati Royals, but he deferred his professional debut to maintain amateur eligibility for the U.S. Olympic team. This decision allowed him to represent the at the while honoring his commitment to international competition before transitioning to the NBA.

1960 Summer Olympics

Following his standout college career at , where he earned All-American honors, Bob Boozer was selected to the U.S. men's basketball team for the in , coached by . To maintain his amateur status and pursue this opportunity, Boozer, who had been drafted first overall by the Cincinnati Royals in , opted to play for the Peoria Caterpillars in the (AAU) during the 1959-60 season rather than immediately entering the NBA. This decision delayed his professional debut by over a year but allowed him to represent his country on the international stage alongside future NBA stars like . As a key forward on the roster, Boozer contributed to the team's dominant performance, averaging 6.8 points and 2.3 rebounds over eight games. The U.S. squad, featuring a blend of college standouts and AAU players, went undefeated at 8-0, securing the gold medal with an average margin of victory exceeding 42 points. Notable wins included an 81-57 semifinal triumph over the on September 3 and a 90-63 final victory against on September 10, extending the Americans' Olympic winning streak to 36 games. Boozer adapted to the of play, which emphasized team-oriented execution under Newell's disciplined system, while navigating dynamics with teammates like Robertson, with whom he later reunited in the NBA. Boozer later reflected on the profound emotional impact of the experience, describing the gold medal ceremony and hearing as an indescribable honor that justified postponing his pro career. This Olympic success solidified his reputation as one of the elite amateur athletes of his era, showcasing his versatility and scoring ability on a global platform. In recognition of the team's legacy, the entire 1960 U.S. Olympic basketball squad, including Boozer, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.

Professional Basketball Career

Pre-NBA with Peoria Caterpillars

After graduating from in 1959, Bob Boozer signed with the Peoria Caterpillars of the (NIBL), forgoing an immediate NBA opportunity to preserve his amateur eligibility for the 1960 U.S. Olympic team tryouts. This move allowed him to compete in a professional-level industrial league described as a step above , featuring strong teams such as the Bartlesville Phillips 66ers and the Akron Wingfoots, many of whose players went on to NBA careers. During the 1959-60 season, Boozer helped the Caterpillars achieve a 16-16 regular-season record in the NIBL before excelling in the postseason. The team advanced through the AAU National Tournament, securing victories in the semifinals over the Oilers (90-76), Cleveland Pipers (84-82), and Chicago Jamaco Saints (98-73), culminating in a 115-99 championship win against the Akron Wingfoots. Boozer's standout performance earned him MVP honors for the tournament and AAU All-American recognition, alongside teammate Howie Crittenden, as he contributed significantly to the team's success through dominant scoring and rebounding against elite competition. This stint with the Caterpillars served as crucial preparation for Boozer's transition to professional basketball, honing his skills in high-stakes games while he balanced commitments with Olympic training. The experience against future NBA talents underscored his pro-level readiness, bridging his collegiate achievements and impending league entry. His subsequent at the 1960 Olympics further elevated his profile among AAU teams.

Cincinnati Royals

Bob Boozer was selected as the first overall pick in the by the Cincinnati Royals, a selection bolstered by his standout college performance at Kansas State and his participation in the , where he helped the U.S. team secure a . He signed with the Royals after the Olympics and debuted in the 1960–61 season. In his campaign, Boozer appeared in 79 games, primarily off the bench, averaging 8.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting 41.5% from the field. The Royals finished 33–46 that year, placing fourth in the Western Division and missing the . Boozer's role expanded in subsequent seasons, as he earned a starting position and showed marked improvement. During the 1961–62 season, he averaged 13.7 points and 10.2 rebounds across 79 games, contributing to the Royals' 43–37 record, which secured second place in the Western Division and a berth; advanced to the division semifinals, where Boozer played in all four games. In 1962–63, his scoring rose to 14.3 points per game with 11.1 rebounds, helping the team achieve a 42–38 mark for third in the Eastern Division and a run to the division finals, where they fell to the in seven games. A key element of Boozer's early NBA success was his frontcourt tandem with Royals guard , the 1961 Rookie of the Year and league scoring leader, whose playmaking complemented Boozer's rebounding and scoring inside to fuel the team's offensive output and consecutive playoff appearances. After three seasons in , Boozer was traded to the on December 15, 1963, in a three-team deal that also involved the .

New York Knicks

Bob Boozer was acquired by the from the Cincinnati Royals on December 15, 1963, as part of a three-team trade that also involved the ; the Royals received forward Staverman from in exchange for Boozer, while the Knicks sent cash considerations to the Pistons. This move, executed midway through the 1963–64 season, brought Boozer to a Knicks team in the midst of a rebuild under coach Eddie Donovan. In his partial first season with New York (1963–64), Boozer appeared in 49 games, averaging 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while serving as a key scoring option on a squad that finished 22–58, fourth in the Eastern Division and well out of playoff contention. The Knicks' defensive struggles—allowing 119.0 points per game league-wide ninth—highlighted their transitional phase, yet Boozer provided consistent production, including multiple 25-point outings, such as 25 points and 12 rebounds against his former team, the Royals, on January 21, 1964. His reliability as a primary scorer persisted into the full 1964–65 campaign, where he played all 80 games, posting 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game; notable among these was a season-high 29 points against the Pistons on December 28, 1964. Despite Boozer's steady contributions, the Knicks remained mired in mediocrity, ending 1964–65 at 31–49 under co-coaches Donovan and , again fourth in the East with no postseason berth. Boozer ranked as the team's second-leading scorer that year, behind rookie , underscoring his role amid the franchise's ongoing efforts to integrate young talent like Reed and Jim Barnes into a developing roster. On October 14, 1965—just before the start of the 1965–66 season—Boozer was traded to the in exchange for guard .

Los Angeles Lakers

In October 1965, Bob Boozer was acquired by the from the in exchange for guard , just before the start of the . This move bolstered the Lakers' frontcourt depth, allowing Boozer to serve primarily as a backup to and complement the scoring of guard . During the regular season, Boozer appeared in 78 games, averaging 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while shooting 48.4% from the field, often stepping up when Baylor dealt with injuries that limited the star to 65 games. Boozer's contributions helped the Lakers secure the Western Division title with a 45–35 record, marking their return to contention in the post-minidynasty era. In the playoffs, the Lakers swept the Baltimore Bullets 4–0 in the division semifinals and defeated the St. Louis Hawks 4–3 in the division finals to advance to the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. However, Boozer's role diminished in the postseason due to the team's deep rotation, as he played in only 10 of the 14 playoff games, averaging 6.7 points and 5.0 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per game, with no standout individual performances noted amid the series' focus on West and Baylor. The Lakers ultimately fell to the Celtics 4–3 in the Finals, extending their streak of championship losses to Boston. Following the season, Boozer was selected by the expansion in the 1966 NBA on May 1, ending his brief but impactful tenure with the Lakers.

Chicago Bulls

Bob Boozer was selected by the in the 1966 NBA from the , joining the franchise as one of its inaugural players and providing veteran leadership to the . During his three seasons with the Bulls from 1966 to 1969, Boozer emerged as a scoring leader, averaging 20.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game across 236 appearances, with his production peaking at 21.7 points in the 1968–69 season. His consistent double-digit rebounding efforts, including a high of 9.8 per game in 1967–68, helped anchor the frontcourt for a young squad navigating the challenges of league integration. Boozer's on-court impact was highlighted by his selection to the 1968 NBA All-Star Game, where he represented the Bulls as a key offensive force during a season in which he led the team in scoring with 21.5 points per game. He contributed to the franchise's gradual stabilization, with the Bulls posting records of 33–48 in 1966–67, 29–53 in 1967–68, and 33–49 in 1968–69, marking incremental progress for an expansion outfit still finding its footing. Signature performances, such as his career-high 42 points against the Baltimore Bullets on January 13, 1968, exemplified his scoring outbursts that energized the team and fanbase during this building phase. Off the court, Boozer made a positive impact in Chicago's African American community by mentoring youth and supporting opportunities for young individuals, drawing from his own experiences as a prominent African American in the league. His prior exposure with the Lakers in prepared him to mentor teammates on high-stakes play, fostering resilience in the Bulls' early playoff aspirations despite missing the postseason. Following the 1968–69 season, Boozer was traded to the , concluding his role in helping establish the Bulls as a competitive NBA presence.

Seattle SuperSonics

In September 1969, the Seattle SuperSonics acquired Bob Boozer from the Chicago Bulls in a trade in which the Bulls received Bob Kauffman and a 1971 third-round draft pick (later used to select Clifford Ray) in exchange for Boozer and Barry Clemens. This move brought a seasoned forward to the expansion franchise, which was in its third NBA season after joining the league in 1967. During the 1969–70 season, Boozer started at for the SuperSonics, appearing in all 82 games and averaging 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game while shooting 49.1% from the field. Bringing his experience from the Bulls to the , Boozer provided veteran leadership to a developing roster, helping guide younger players through the rigors of NBA competition. His consistent production on both ends of the court contributed to team stability amid a transitional year. The SuperSonics finished the season with a 36–46 record, placing fifth in the Western Division and missing the for the third consecutive year. Boozer's presence as a reliable scorer and rebounder underscored his value to the young franchise, even as the team sought further improvements. Prior to the 1970–71 season, on September 17, 1970, Seattle traded Boozer and to the in exchange for and cash considerations. This deal marked the end of Boozer's brief but impactful tenure with the SuperSonics.

Milwaukee Bucks

In September 1970, Bob Boozer was traded from the to the along with in exchange for and cash, providing veteran depth to a contending team. He played his final NBA season with the Bucks in 1970–71, appearing in 80 games as a reserve power forward. Boozer averaged 9.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game during the regular season, contributing steady scoring and rebounding off the bench behind stars like and . In the , he appeared in all 14 games, averaging 7.4 points and 5.6 rebounds, including solid performances in the sweep. Boozer played a supporting role in the Bucks' dominant 4–0 NBA Championship victory over the Baltimore Bullets in the 1971 Finals, helping secure Milwaukee's first title with his experience and hustle. Following the championship, Boozer retired at age 34, ending an 11-year NBA career on a high note. In later reflections shared with teammate Greg Smith, Boozer highlighted the team's chemistry, describing them as "business-like in taking care of our business" on the court.

Achievements and Honors

Collegiate and Olympic Honors

During his time at from 1956 to 1959, Bob Boozer established himself as one of the premier players in the nation, earning consensus first-team All-American honors in both 1958 and 1959, making him the only to achieve this distinction twice. He also captured Player of the Year accolades in 1958 and 1959, leading the Wildcats to conference titles those seasons and helping them reach the 1958 NCAA . Following his junior year, Boozer deferred his professional career after being selected first overall in the to pursue Olympic aspirations, joining the U.S. men's basketball team for the in . As a key forward on the roster, he contributed to the team's undefeated run, securing a with an 8-0 record, including a 90-63 victory over in the final. In the interim before entering the NBA, Boozer earned MVP honors at the 1960 AAU National Tournament after leading the Peoria Caterpillars to the championship. Boozer's collegiate legacy was formally recognized later in life, with his induction as a charter member of the Kansas State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990 and the retirement of his No. 30 jersey by the university in 2005, joining the select group of honorees including Ernie Barrett and Jack Parr. Posthumously, following his death in 2012, he was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 as part of an eight-member class that highlighted his impact on the amateur game.

NBA and Professional Honors

Boozer earned recognition as an NBA in 1968 during his tenure with the , where he appeared in the game's East-West matchup at . His selection highlighted his consistent scoring and rebounding prowess, averaging 21.5 points and 9.8 rebounds that season. In 1971, Boozer contributed to the ' NBA Championship victory, providing key bench support alongside stars and in a four-game sweep of the Bullets in the Finals. This title marked the pinnacle of his professional achievements, as the Bucks dominated with a league-best 66-16 regular-season record. As a rookie with the Cincinnati Royals in the 1960-61 season, Boozer posted averages of 14.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. His Olympic gold from further bolstered his transition to professional . Boozer was also named AAU All-American in . Post-retirement, Boozer was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team, honoring the squad's undefeated gold-medal performance. He also received regional professional honors, including induction into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame for his Omaha roots and overall career legacy, as well as the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

Career Statistics

Regular Season

Bob Boozer appeared in 874 regular-season games across 11 NBA seasons from 1960–61 to 1970–71, totaling 12,964 points, 7,119 rebounds, and 1,237 assists. His career per-game averages stood at 14.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, reflecting a consistent role as a scoring forward with strong rebounding presence. Boozer's scoring output peaked during his tenure with the in the mid-1960s, where he averaged 21.5 in 1967–68 and a career-high 21.7 in 1968–69, showcasing his efficiency as a scorer. His production tapered off toward the end of his career, dropping to 15.2 with the in 1969–70 and 9.1 in his final season with the in 1970–71, amid reduced playing time and shifting team roles. Over his career, Boozer maintained a of 46.2% and a free-throw percentage of 76.1%, contributing to a that reached .552 in his 1967–68 peak season. His rebounding efficiency was competitive among power forwards of the era, with per-game marks often exceeding 8 rebounds and a career rebounds per game average of 8.1, ranking 161st all-time and comparable to contemporaries like Gus Johnson in volume relative to minutes played. The following table summarizes Boozer's regular-season performance year by year:
SeasonTeam(s)GPPGRPGAPGFG%
1960–61Royals798.46.21.4.415
1961–62Royals7913.710.21.6.438
1962–63Royals7914.311.11.3.444
1963–64Royals/Knicks8114.97.41.2.427
1964–65Knicks8014.27.61.4.440
1965–66Lakers7812.27.01.1.484
1966–67Bulls8018.08.51.1.487
1967–68Bulls7721.59.81.6.492
1968–69Bulls7921.77.82.0.481
1969–70SuperSonics8215.28.71.3.491
1970–71Bucks809.15.41.6.450
Career87414.88.11.4.462

Playoffs

Bob Boozer appeared in 48 NBA playoff games over six postseason appearances, accumulating 556 points and 341 rebounds while 11.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. His playoff scoring dipped slightly from his regular-season career of 14.8 points per game, reflecting increased defensive intensity in postseason matchups. The following table summarizes Boozer's year-by-year playoff performance:
SeasonTeamGMPFG%FT%PTSTRBAST
1961-62CIN435.8.561.75018.310.50.8
1962-63CIN1231.8.413.71413.38.01.5
1965-661018.1.400.7506.75.00.7
1966-67CHI335.0.632.78619.711.70.3
1967-68CHI538.0.452.73718.88.82.4
1970-71MIL1420.2.482.7597.45.31.2
Career-4826.7.469.74711.67.11.3
(Data compiled from per-game averages; career FG% calculated from seasonal totals.) Boozer delivered standout performances in several key series, including averaging 18.3 points and 10.5 rebounds across four games for the Cincinnati Royals in their 1962 first-round loss to the Detroit Pistons. With the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1966 playoffs, he contributed 6.7 points per game over 10 appearances en route to the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, where limited minutes off the bench highlighted his role amid a deep frontcourt. In the 1968 first-round series, Boozer averaged 18.8 points and 8.8 rebounds in five games as the Chicago Bulls fell to the Lakers. His postseason output peaked in shorter series like the 1967 first round with the Bulls (19.7 points in three games) but stabilized as a reliable contributor during the 1971 playoffs, where he averaged 7.4 points across 14 games in Milwaukee's championship run. Boozer maintained solid efficiency in high-stakes environments, shooting approximately 44-47% from the field across his playoff , with free-throw accuracy at 74.7% on 174 attempts. His role evolved from a starting forward in early playoff runs with and —where he often logged over 30 minutes and double-digit rebounds—to a valuable bench player in later years with the Lakers and Bucks, providing scoring punch and rebounding in limited minutes during title-contending pushes.

Later Life and Legacy

Post-Retirement Activities

After retiring from professional in 1971, Boozer joined Northwestern Bell, a regional subsidiary of the (later and Communications), where he worked for 27 years until 1997, eventually rising to the position of director of legislative and community affairs. In 1997, Governor appointed Boozer to the Board of , a role he held for 12 years, during which he contributed to decisions affecting parole eligibility and rehabilitation efforts. Boozer dedicated significant time to volunteering at Boys Town in Omaha, where he mentored troubled youth, emphasizing life skills and moral decision-making, often drawing from his own experiences to guide them away from negative influences. Throughout his later years, Boozer remained deeply engaged in Omaha's African American community, supporting youth development initiatives and participating in speaking engagements to share insights from his career and advise individuals navigating challenges in the justice system.

Death and Memorials

Bob Boozer died on May 19, 2012, at age 75, from a brain aneurysm at a hospital in his hometown of . He was survived by his wife of 46 years, Ella Boozer, their son Curtis Boozer of Seattle, Washington, and several grandchildren, who were highlighted in eulogies for carrying forward his legacy of family devotion and community involvement. His funeral service took place on May 25, 2012, at Morning Star Baptist Church in Omaha, drawing hundreds of mourners whose packed pews underscored Boozer's profound local influence. Tributes poured in from NBA peers, including former teammate Tommy Hawkins, who described Boozer as "special" and his "best friend," praising his intelligence, humor, and unwavering support during their shared All-American days at Kansas State. great also attended, joining other dignitaries like Governor , U.S. Representative Lee Terry, and Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle in honoring Boozer's life. The , for whom Boozer played a pivotal role in their 1971 NBA championship, issued a statement lauding him as a "great teammate and friend" whose contributions extended far beyond the court. In recognition of his impact, the city of Omaha proclaimed May 19–26, 2012, as "Bob Boozer Week." Posthumous honors continued to affirm Boozer's enduring stature. In 2016, he was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, celebrating his two-time All-American career at Kansas State and his role on the 1960 U.S. Olympic gold-medal team. Omaha named Bob Boozer Drive in his honor. Boozer's legacy as an Omaha icon endures through his inspiration to Black athletes, demonstrating pathways from North Omaha courts to global stages amid civil rights challenges. His understated NBA tenure—marked by steady scoring without All-Star fanfare—contrasted with his profound community service, including youth mentoring at Boys Town and faith-driven initiatives that positioned him as a quiet pillar of humanitarianism. Reflections in memorials often emphasized how his post-retirement volunteering amplified this humanitarian side, leaving an indelible mark on Omaha's social fabric.

References

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