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Bob Netolicky
Bob Netolicky
Bob Netolicky
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Robert Netolicky (born August 2, 1942) is an American former basketball player. A 6'9" power forward/center, he played professionally in the now–defunct American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1967 to 1976. Netolicky was a four–time ABA All–Star and two–time ABA Champion.

Key Information

Career

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A graduate of Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where his father was a surgeon, Netolicky was an All-American selection at Drake University, playing for Coach Maury John. Netolicky was a first team All–Missouri Valley Conference selection in 1967 and left as Drake's all–time rebounding leader (717), and fifth all–time leading scorer, with 997 points, playing for the Drake Bulldogs from 1963 to 1967. After his career at Drake, Netolicky was drafted by the National Basketball Association's (NBA) San Diego Rockets as the 18th pick the 1967 NBA draft, one selection behind Phil Jackson by the New York Knicks.[1][2][3]

However, he never played for the Rockets, instead joining the new ABA's Indiana Pacers, who had drafted him in the first ABA draft. A four–time ABA All-Star and two–time ABA Champion, Netolicky was a well–rounded player who could rebound, defend, and shoot the ball equally well. Jim O'Brien of The Sporting News once claimed that Netolicky was the "smoothest shooting big man in the ABA."[4][5] Besides the Pacers, Netolicky briefly played for the Dallas Chaparrals/San Antonio Spurs. He ended his ABA career with 9,876 career points and 5,518 career rebounds.

Indiana Pacers 1967–1972

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Drafted by the Pacers in the first ABA draft, Netolicky would play in every season of the ABA. It was noted that Netolicky negotiated a Chevrolet Corvette into his initial Pacers signing bonus. As a rookie in 1967–68, playing under Pacers Coach Larry Staverman, Netolicky averaged 16.3 points and 11.5 rebounds, as the Indiana Pacers finished 38–40 in their first season. In the playoffs, Netolicky averaged 22.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in a series loss to the eventual champion Pittsburgh Pipers. Netolicky was named to the All–ABA Rookie team with Louie Dampier of the Kentucky Colonels, Mel Daniels of the Minnesota Muskies, Jimmy Jones of the New Orleans Buccaneers and Trooper Washington of the Pittsburgh Pipers. Netolicky was selected as a member of the East team in the ABA All–Star game.[2][6][7][8][9]

In his second season, the Pacers won the ABA Eastern Division championship with a 44–34 record after Larry Staverman was replaced by Hall of Fame coach Slick Leonard early in the season. Playing alongside Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame members Roger Brown and Mel Daniels, as well as Freddie Lewis, Netolicky averaged 18.9 points and 10.2 rebounds in the regular season. After defeating the Kentucky Colonels and Miami Floridians in the playoffs, the Pacers advanced to the ABA Finals, where they lost to the Oakland Oaks in five games. In a losing effort, Netolicky averaged 26.4 points in the Finals to lead the Pacers. Netolicky was again selected to appear in the ABA All–Star game representing the East.[10][11][12]

Netolicky helped lead the Pacers to the ABA Championship in 1969–70. The Pacers finished the season with a 59–25 record to win the Eastern Division. Netolicky averaged 20.6 points and 10.7 rebounds in the regular season. On April 12, 1970, the Pacers defeated the Pittsburgh Pipers 177–135, with Netolicky scoring 28 points in the game. In the playoffs, under Coach Slick Leonard, the Pacers swept the Carolina Cougars in four games and defeated the Kentucky Colonels 4 games to 1 to advance to the ABA Finals. In the ABA Finals, the Pacers defeated the Los Angeles Stars 4 games to 2 to win the ABA championship, with Netolicky averaging 20.3 points in the Finals, second on the Pacers who were led by Roger Brown's 33.2 average. In the second game of the series, a 114-111 Pacers victory, Netolicky scored 32 points, making 14 of 22 shots, including 10 in a row in the second half. Netolicky also grabbed a rebound with six seconds left, drawing a foul. He then made the two free throws to complete the scoring. Before a game 5 loss, Netolicky had gone water skiing the previous day with his attorney and strained muscles in his arm. In game 5, he made 7 of 22 shots and shot a few air balls in a 117–113 overtime loss. After the game he said, "I missed about 10 easy shots, if I hadn't gone water skiing, we would have won it at home." In 1969–70, Netolicky was named to the All–ABA Second Team and was selected to play in his third consecutive ABA All–Star game.[2][13][14][15][16]

In 1970–71, Netolicky was named to appear in the ABA All–Star game for the final time in his career. Netolicky averaged 18.8 points and 9.4 rebounds as the Pacers won the ABA Western Division title with a 58–26 record. After sweeping the Memphis Pros in four games to begin the playoffs, the Pacers were defeated in the Western Division Finals by the eventual ABA champion Utah Stars in seven games, as Netolicky averaged 14.4 points in the series.[17][2][18]

The Indiana Pacers won a second ABA Championship in 1971–72, with Netolicky averaging 15.1 points and 9.2 rebounds during the regular season. In the playoffs, the Pacers defeated the Denver Rockets in seven games and the defending champion Utah Stars in seven games to advance to the ABA Finals. Netolicky averaged 16.7 points and 9.3 rebounds against the Rockets and 10.7 points with 5.6 rebounds against Utah. In the finals victory over the New York Nets, losing time to Pacers teammate George McGinnis, Netolicky averaged 4.3 points in the six-game series.[19] [20][21][22]

Dallas Chaparrals 1972–1973/San Antonio Spurs 1973

[edit]

Netolicky played for the Dallas Chaparrals in the 1972–73 season. Netolicky had been purchased from the Indiana Pacers on August 12, 1972, for $250,000. With Dallas, Netolicky played center instead of his usual power–forward position and averaged 18.7 points and 10.2 rebounds for the Chaparrals, who finished 28–56. He was the team's leading rebounder and second leading scorer. Dallas missed the 1973 ABA playoffs.[23][24][2]

The Dallas Chaparrals moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 1973. Netolicky continued with the franchise to begin the 1973–74 season, playing 19 games with the Spurs at power forward and averaging 12.1 points and 5.3 rebounds at age 31. After 19 games with the Spurs, Netolicky was reacquired by the Indiana Pacers for cash and a draft pick.[25] [26][27][24][28]

Indiana Pacers 1973–1975

[edit]

Rejoining the Pacers in November, 1973, Netolicky was reunited with coach Slick Leonard and his former Pacers teammates Roger Brown, Freddie Lewis, Mel Daniels and George McGinnis. Netolicky played 20.7 minutes per game, averaging 9.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 56 games for the Pacers. Indiana had a 7–8 record when Netolicky rejoined the team, but finished with a 46–38 record. The Pacers qualified for the playoffs, defeating Netolicky's former San Antiono Spurs in seven games before losing to the Utah Stars in seven games. An injured Netolicky did not play in the playoffs.[29][26][28]

Netolicky is one of the few professional basketball players to play for both teams in the same game. On November 14, 1973, Netolicky was playing for the San Antonio Spurs when they lost at home to the Indiana Pacers on a last–second shot. The Spurs protested the loss, and the ABA Commissioner ruled for San Antonio. The Pacers' last-second basket was disallowed, and the remaining 30 seconds of the game (which was the portion that San Antonio had protested) was ordered replayed immediately before the next Pacers–at–Spurs game, on December 2, 1973. By that time, however, Netolicky had been traded to Indiana. He played the final 30 seconds of regulation for the Pacers, plus the subsequent overtime.[30]

In his final full season, Netolicky averaged 7.5 points and 3.5 rebounds for the 1974–75 Pacers. He scored total 10 points in seven playoff games, playing as a deep reserve, as the Pacers were defeated by the Kentucky Colonels after advancing to the ABA Finals.[31][32]

The 1975–76 season was the final ABA season, as the league merged into the NBA after the season. After playing four games in the 1975–76 season, Netolicky's career ended with his last game on October 29, 1975. He retired with ABA career averages of 16.0 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists on 49.4% shooting in 618 career ABA games.[32][33]

In 1978, Netolicky played eight games with the Baltimore Metros/Mohawk Valley Thunderbirds of the Continental Basketball Association, averaging 15.0 points and 7.0 rebounds. The team was coached by his longtime Pacers teammate Freddie Lewis.[34][35][36]

Personal life

[edit]

Netolicky was very close longtime friends with his Pacers teammate Mel Daniels.[37]

Bob Netolicky was a fan favorite during his playing days, well known for his advocacy of mod lifestyle and his exotic pets (including a lion and an ocelot). One sportswriter called him the "Broadway Joe Namath of the ABA", since he had become a veritable sex symbol to many of Indiana's female fans.[4]

During his career, Netolicky owned a popular nightclub in Indianapolis called Neto's, located in the Meadows Shopping Center. Neto's was frequented by players and celebrities alike. Netolicky also sponsored numerous race cars and operated a car dealership.[38][39][40][3][9]

Honors

[edit]

References

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

Bob Netolicky

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Robert "Bob" Netolicky (born August 2, 1942) is a retired American professional basketball player best known for his nine-season career in the (ABA), where he established himself as a dominant , earning four selections and contributing to two championships with the . Standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 220 pounds, Netolicky was renowned for his soft , rebounding prowess, and charismatic personality that made him a in during the league's early years. Over his ABA tenure from 1967 to 1976, he averaged 16.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game across 618 regular-season appearances, ranking among the league's top rebounders. Netolicky's basketball journey began in San Francisco, where he was born, before his family moved to , where he attended Washington High School. At , he became an All-American selection under coach Maury John, excelling as a center and helping the Bulldogs compete in the . Selected in the second round (18th overall) of the by the Rockets, Netolicky opted for the rival ABA, signing with the as part of their inaugural roster and quickly emerging as a rookie standout with All-Rookie First Team honors in 1967-68. In the ABA, Netolicky played primarily for the Pacers (1967-1972 and 1974-1976), with brief stints at the (1973) and (1974), wearing jersey number 24 throughout his career. He was named to the in his first four seasons (1968-1971) and earned All-ABA Second Team recognition in 1970, while powering the Pacers to ABA titles in 1970 and 1972 as the last original member of the franchise before retiring in 1976. Off the court, Netolicky embraced a flamboyant lifestyle, earning the nickname "Neto" and the moniker "Joe Namath of the Midwest" for his long hair, trendy fashion, and ownership of exotic pets like an named Socrates and a 250-pound lioness named Julie; he also opened the popular bar "Neto's" in 1970, which became a celebrity hotspot bridging racial and social divides in the city.

Early life and education

Early life

Bob Netolicky was born on August 2, 1942, in , . His father served as a on a medical ship overseas during the war, while his mother, a nurse, transitioned to a stay-at-home role after the family expanded to include Netolicky, a sister, and a brother. The family relocated from to , where Netolicky was raised in an affluent household that afforded him opportunities for unique pursuits. In his youth, Netolicky's passions leaned toward collecting and caring for exotic pets, including a lion cub and an , rather than organized sports, reflecting the permissive and resource-rich environment shaped by his parents' professional success. He attended Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, where his initial foray into as a 5-foot-11 freshman ended with him being cut from the team. Undeterred, Netolicky honed his basketball skills informally at the local , competing against college-level players, and only committed more seriously to the sport during his senior year of high school. Following graduation, he took a year and a half away from structured athletics, continuing pickup games, before attending Ellsworth Community College in , marking his entry into organized ; he later transferred to .

College career

Bob Netolicky attended in , from 1963 to 1967, where he played for the Bulldogs under coach Maury John. As a 6-foot-9 center, he emerged as a dominant force in the (MVC), contributing significantly to the team's efforts during his tenure. Over his four-year college career, Netolicky compiled impressive statistics, finishing as Drake's all-time rebounding leader with 717 total rebounds and ranking fifth in scoring with 997 points. His rebounding prowess was particularly evident in his junior and senior seasons, where he averaged 9.4 and 12.0 rebounds per game, respectively, helping to anchor the Bulldogs' frontcourt. In scoring, he peaked during his senior year, averaging 17.6 points per game while shooting 51.5% from the field. Netolicky's standout senior season in 1966–67 earned him first-team All-MVC honors, recognizing his leadership in rebounds (third in the conference with 299) and scoring (ninth with 440 points). That year, despite the Bulldogs' 9–16 overall record and seventh-place MVC finish, he was also selected as a first-team All-American, highlighting his individual excellence amid team challenges.

Professional career

Indiana Pacers (1967–1972)

Bob Netolicky entered professional basketball after being selected by the Rockets with the 18th overall pick in the second round of the , but he opted instead to join the American Basketball Association's , who had also drafted him. This decision allowed him to begin his pro career immediately as a for the expansion Pacers in the 1967–68 season. In his year, Netolicky emerged as a key contributor, averaging 16.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game while starting most of the Pacers' 71 games, earning him a spot on the All-ABA Rookie First Team. His performance helped stabilize the young franchise, which finished with a 38–40 record. Over the next seasons, Netolicky's scoring and rebounding prowess played a pivotal role in the Pacers' rise; in the 1968–69 playoffs, he averaged 26.4 points and 14.6 rebounds during the ABA loss to the Oakland Oaks, showcasing his ability to elevate in high-stakes games. The following year, in 1969–70, Netolicky averaged 20.3 points and 12.7 rebounds in the , contributing to the Pacers' first ABA victory over the Los Angeles Stars. Netolicky's consistent production continued through the 1971–72 season, where the Pacers secured their second title in three years. During this initial stint from 1967 to 1972, he appeared in 396 regular-season games, accumulating 7,110 points, 4,031 rebounds, and 466 assists, while forming an early frontcourt partnership with center after the latter's arrival in 1968–69. This duo provided rebounding dominance and scoring versatility, anchoring the Pacers' success in reaching three ABA Finals and winning two championships.

Dallas Chaparrals and San Antonio Spurs (1972–1973)

In July 1972, the acquired Bob Netolicky from the in exchange for a future draft pick and cash considerations, valued at approximately $250,000, as the Pacers sought to bolster their roster following back-to-back ABA championships where Netolicky had been a key contributor. As a veteran entering his sixth professional season, Netolicky provided scoring and rebounding stability to a Chaparrals team struggling with attendance and on-court performance, averaging 18.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game over 84 appearances while playing 40.6 minutes nightly. The 1972–73 season marked a transitional period for Netolicky amid the Chaparrals' instability, as he adjusted to new coach Bill Blakeley and teammates like Richie Freeman and Ron Riley, contributing to a middling 32–52 record that kept out of the . Following the season, low fan support in prompted the franchise's relocation to , , where it was leased to a local group led by Angelo Drossos and rebranded as the Spurs for the 1973–74 campaign. Netolicky briefly rejoined the relocated Spurs at the start of the 1973–74 season, appearing in 19 games as a starter with averages of 12.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per game, helping the expansion-like team adapt to its new market before being traded back to the Pacers on November 14, 1973. That same day, during a Spurs home loss to the Pacers decided by a last-second shot from Jerry Harkness, the Spurs successfully protested the result due to a clock malfunction; in the replay of the final 30 seconds months later, Netolicky—now with Indiana—dressed for both teams and sealed the Pacers' victory with a steal, marking a rare instance of a player suiting up for opposing sides in the same game.

Indiana Pacers (1973–1976)

Netolicky was reacquired by the from the on November 14, 1973, in exchange for an undisclosed amount of cash and a future draft choice, marking his return to the team after a brief stint with the and Spurs. This trade occurred amid a unique ABA controversy: the Spurs had lost to the Pacers days earlier, but after protesting a final play, the league ordered a replay of the last 30 seconds on December 2, 1973, by which time Netolicky was back with Indiana and participated in the overtime that followed. Over his final three ABA seasons with the Pacers, Netolicky's scoring declined as he transitioned to a more veteran role, averaging 9.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game in 1973–74 across 56 games, followed by 7.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 1974–75 over 59 games. His playing time diminished to just 4 games in 1975–76, where he averaged 4.8 points and 3.0 rebounds, reflecting his shift toward providing leadership and rebounding support amid the team's evolving roster. Despite the reduced output, Netolicky contributed to the Pacers' consistency as a reliable /, helping maintain their status as an ABA powerhouse during a period that included deep playoff runs in 1973–74 and 1974–75. Netolicky retired at age 33 following the 1975–76 season, concluding a nine-year ABA career that spanned 618 games with totals of 9,876 points (16.0 per game), 5,518 rebounds (8.9 per game), and 848 assists (1.4 per game). His tenure with the Pacers during this era supported the franchise's dominance and positioned the team for the 1976 ABA-NBA merger, where transitioned successfully into the NBA as established contenders.

Post-playing career

Business and other ventures

After retiring from professional basketball in 1976, Bob Netolicky ventured into the by owning and operating Neto's, a popular in Indianapolis's Meadows Shopping Center. Opened during the height of his playing career around , the establishment served as a trendy gathering spot for fans, athletes, and celebrities, featuring live music, a dance floor, and a vibrant atmosphere that drew crowds nightly. Netolicky leased and remodeled the space himself, implementing a modest $1 that often resulted in long lines outside, though he provided complimentary drinks to visiting teams as a goodwill gesture. The nightclub operated for four years and ultimately paid for itself through steady patronage but did not yield substantial profits, serving more as a social investment tied to his earnings from ABA contracts. Netolicky also pursued opportunities in the automotive sector, including a brief involvement in operating a and later a 25-year career in the industry, which provided long-term financial stability. These endeavors capitalized on his local prominence in , where he sponsored race cars across the state, enhancing visibility for his businesses. Following an initial foray into upon returning to the city, he transitioned to auto auctions, working steadily until semi-retirement in his later years without notable operational setbacks reported. In June 2022, the NBA began providing recognition payments of approximately $35,000 annually to eligible former ABA players, including Netolicky for his nine seasons of service, supplementing his post-playing income as of 2025. In 1978, as a semi-retirement endeavor, Netolicky briefly returned to basketball by playing eight games for the Baltimore Metros/Mohawk Valley Thunderbirds in the , averaging 15.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game under coach . This short stint allowed him to stay connected to the sport while focusing on his growing business interests, marking a transitional phase before fully committing to entrepreneurial pursuits. Around 1983-84, he coached for one season with the Sarasota Stingers in the CBA, coinciding with Phil Jackson's tenure at the .

Later basketball involvement

After retiring from professional basketball, Bob Netolicky maintained strong ties to the sport through participation in American Basketball Association (ABA) reunions and tributes. In 1997, he attended the league's 30th anniversary reunion, where he was honored as a member of the , an event he later described as both enjoyable and a fitting recognition of the league's pioneers. He continued this engagement in 2018 by joining fellow ABA alumni at the 50th Anniversary Celebration held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in , which featured a dinner, question-and-answer session, autograph opportunities, and a memorabilia to support retired players. These gatherings allowed Netolicky to reconnect with former teammates and share stories from the ABA era. Netolicky has also contributed to media appearances and tributes honoring key figures from his career. Following the death of his former coach Bobby "Slick" Leonard in April 2021, Netolicky provided personal anecdotes for a memorial feature on the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) website, recounting Leonard's intense coaching methods—such as chasing him with a hockey stick during a tirade—and his ability to foster team unity through unorthodox pep talks. These reflections highlighted Leonard's impact as both a tactician and a paternal figure. In a 2016 , Netolicky discussed his ABA experiences, emphasizing the league's innovative style and his role in the Pacers' success. As an alumnus of the NBRPA, Netolicky remains affiliated with the organization dedicated to supporting retired professional basketball players and preserving the game's history. He has participated in annual informal reunions with ex-Kentucky Colonels players, using these occasions to reminisce about pivotal moments like their 1975 ABA Finals matchup against the Pacers. His enduring friendship with fellow Pacers star , which began on the court, extended into their post-playing years through shared memories and mutual support.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Netolicky was born in , , but raised in , alongside a sister and a brother, with his mother's transition to a stay-at-home role providing a stable family environment during his formative years. His father was a . Netolicky has been married to Elaine since 1977. In 2009, his wife pleaded guilty to operating as an unregistered securities broker, marking a notable public aspect of their shared life. No public information is available regarding children. One of Netolicky's most enduring personal bonds was his nearly 50-year friendship with former teammate , forged during their six seasons together in the ABA from 1968 to 1974. Despite contrasting personalities—Daniels as the intense, quiet anchor on the court and Netolicky as the outgoing forward—they formed a close partnership that extended far beyond , with Netolicky describing Daniels as his best friend. Post-retirement, their relationship involved regular check-ins, shared memories of championship runs, and mutual support; Netolicky was the one who discovered Daniels unresponsive at his Noblesville home in 2015 and alerted his family. In his later years, Netolicky resided in , for an extended period before relocating to Noblesville, remaining connected to the Indianapolis area through his Pacers ties. As of 2025, he continues to stay in touch with former teammates, including discussions about the .

Lifestyle and public persona

During the and , Bob Netolicky embodied the mod lifestyle prevalent among ABA players, characterized by a flair for fashion and an energetic social presence. He frequently wore bell-bottom pants, tight shirts, and sported , aligning with the era's countercultural trends. Netolicky openly embraced this style, stating in a 1971 interview, "I wear mod clothes, enjoy good times and I like to party. If that's a flake, then I'm a flake." His zest for life extended to driving an orange Targa and being a fixture in Indianapolis's vibrant social scene, where he was known for his outgoing personality and enjoyment of nightlife. Netolicky's penchant for eccentricity was most famously illustrated by his ownership of exotic pets, which became a hallmark of his public image. In his college days at , he and a roommate impulsively purchased a lion cub for $75, initially keeping it at their fraternity house. The , named Julie, grew to 250 pounds and once escaped to a neighbor's lawn, prompting a neighborhood scare before she was donated to the . The , named Socrates, lived with Netolicky for about a decade, while he also owned a and a during his Pacers tenure. These pets underscored his adventurous and unconventional persona, often drawing media attention and fan fascination. As a player for the , Netolicky cultivated a reputation as a heartthrob and fan favorite, often compared to "Broadway Joe" Namath for his charisma and appeal to female supporters. Described as a "veritable sex symbol to many of Indiana's female fans," he elicited swoons from women who waited outside arenas after games, while earning envy or criticism from some male observers. One admirer famously remarked, "He’s got the sexiest teeth in the ABA," highlighting his charming, choirboy-like appearance that contrasted with his aggressive on-court style. This allure made him a delight among mod fans and contributed to his status as one of the league's most colorful figures, even landing him on the ABA's informal "All-Flake" team for four consecutive years. Netolicky's social engagements extended to owning Neto's, a popular nightclub opened in 1970 that served as an extension of his lively persona and attracted Pacers teammates, celebrities, and locals. In his post-playing years, he channeled his commitment to the community into as a co-founder of the Dropping Dimes Foundation, established in 2015 to provide financial and health support for former ABA players facing hardships. Through the organization, Netolicky has advocated for recognition and aid for his peers, participating in fundraisers and awareness efforts that reflect his enduring loyalty to the league that defined his career.

Honors and legacy

ABA achievements

During his ABA career, Bob Netolicky was selected to four consecutive All-Star Games, representing the league from 1968 to 1971. These appearances highlighted his consistent performance as a forward for the , where he averaged double-digit scoring and rebounding each season. Netolicky played a key role in the Pacers' success, contributing to two ABA championships in 1970 and 1972. In the 1970 finals, he averaged 20.3 points and 12.7 rebounds per game as the team defeated the Stars. His efforts helped solidify the Pacers' dominance in the Western Division during that era. Individually, Netolicky earned All-ABA Second Team honors in 1970 after leading the Pacers with 20.6 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. As a in 1968, he was named to the All-ABA Rookie First Team, showcasing his immediate impact with 16.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. Netolicky's rebounding prowess defined much of his legacy, as he finished his ABA career with 5,518 total rebounds over 618 games, ranking fifth all-time in league history. This total underscored his physical presence and tenacity on the boards, averaging 8.9 rebounds per game across nine seasons.

Post-career recognition

Netolicky was inducted into the Czechoslovak-American Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions as a player of Czechoslovak-American heritage. In 2016, he was selected as Iowa's representative in the Dropping Dimes Foundation's "50 Greats from 50 States" program, honoring his high school and professional achievements as one of the state's top exports. In , Netolicky began receiving annual pension payments from the NBA as part of the ABA player benefits program. In ABA historical accounts, Netolicky is frequently cited as the league's fifth-leading rebounder of all time with 5,518 career boards, underscoring his dominance on the glass during the league's nine seasons. His status as a two-time ABA champion—with the in and —further cements his place in the league's championship lore, where he contributed as a key starter on both title teams. In April 2021, following the death of Pacers coach Bobby "Slick" Leonard, Netolicky gave an interview reflecting on their enduring bond from the ABA era. As of 2025, Netolicky continued to receive media recognition as an legend, including mentions in coverage of the where fellow 1972 Pacers teammate Darnell Hillman noted a recent phone call from Netolicky discussing the series. ABA narratives often portray Netolicky as a well-rounded , praised for his rebounding prowess alongside solid scoring, defensive tenacity, and perimeter shooting ability that made him a versatile asset in the league's fast-paced style.

References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netolbo01.html
  2. https://www.legendsofbasketball.com/alumni/bob-netolicky/
  3. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2022/11/22/nba-bob-netolicky-indiana-pacers-heartthrob-who-owned-exotic-pets/69618634007/
  4. http://www.remembertheaba.com/tributematerial/netolicky.html
  5. https://markmontieth.com/one-on-one/bob-netolicky/
  6. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/bob-netolicky-1.html
  7. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/awards/men/all-mvc.html
  8. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netolbo01/gamelog-playoffs/
  9. https://www.nba.com/pacers/news/1969-70-aba-champion-pacers
  10. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DLC/1973_transactions.html
  11. https://newspapers.library.in.gov/?a=d&d=INR19720805-01.1.8
  12. http://www.remembertheaba.com/TeamMaterial/DallasMaterial/ChaparralsSpursYearly.html
  13. https://www.nba.com/spurs/look-back-beginning
  14. https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-benefited-from-protest-in-their-wild-ABA-14882316.php
  15. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2018/11/29/time-indiana-pacers-bob-netolicky-both-teams-same-game/2144072002/
  16. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2022/08/04/aba-league-pension-pacers-nba-payments-freddie-lewis-bob-netolicky/65375475007/
  17. https://droppingdimes.org/portfolio-item/netolicky-bob/
  18. https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/6dkuW
  19. https://hoopshd.com/2016/06/26/nothing-but-net-olicky-hoopshd-interviews-bob-netolicky/
  20. https://www.indystar.com/story/life/2014/12/02/historic-places-indiana-basketball/19356545/
  21. https://droppingdimes.org/aba_50th/
  22. https://www.legendsofbasketball.com/hoop-du-jour-slick-stories-in-memory-of-slick-leonard/
  23. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/10/31/mel-daniels-and-bob-netolicky-best-friends-end/74951238/
  24. https://www.newspapers.com/article/57237073/marriage-for-elaine-fairfield-and/
  25. https://www.heraldbulletin.com/news/state_news/ex-pacer-s-wife-pleads-guilty-in-scheme/article_82d1ee28-cebc-5686-a6c9-27cb9bafa79f.html
  26. https://www.nba.com/pacers/daniels-gripped-more-hands
  27. https://youarecurrent.com/2018/03/23/netolickys-book-details-indianas-love-affair-with-aba-pacers/
  28. https://indianapolisrecorder.com/1972-pacers-talk-2025-nba-finals/
  29. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/bob-netolicky-dropping-dimes-while-the-nba-watches/id1730304428?i=1000702030620
  30. https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/trb_career.html
  31. https://www.facebook.com/CSABHOF/posts/bob-netolicky-i-am-thrilled-and-very-appreciative-of-this-wonderful-honor-it-mea/1080818250712467/
  32. https://droppingdimes.org/netolicky-malone-boone-barry-others-join-50-greats-50-states/
  33. http://www.remembertheaba.com/abastatistics/AllTimeStatistics.html
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmvieXZM12o
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