Best Indiana Pacers player of all-time from each Big 10 school

Best Indiana Pacers Player from Ohio St.: Herb Williams

Herb Williams was selected by the Pacers with the 14th overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft and played his first six-and-a-half seasons in Indiana.

He wasted little time making an impact, starting in 75 games as a rookie and averaging 11.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. Williams improved his scoring average the following year to 16.9 points and had the best season of his career in 1985-86.  He played in 78 games and netted 19.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per contest.

In 1986-87, Williams’ numbers began to decline eventually leading to his being traded to Dallas in February of 1989 for Detlef Schrempf and a second-round pick that turned into Antonio Davis.

Williams moved into coaching after his playing days and spent 11 seasons on the Knicks staff and is currently an assistant for the WNBA’s New York Liberty.

Honorable Mention: Clark Kellogg

Best Indiana Pacers Player from Purdue: Billy Keller

Billy Keller never suited up for a team outside of Indiana playing for George Washington High School in Indianapolis, Purdue University, and seven years for the Pacers.

After his rookie season in 1969-70 where he helped the Pacers to an ABA title, Keller made significant strides in year-two averaging career-highs with 14.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds. Keller helped guide the team to ABA Championships again in 1972 and 1973 and another appearance in the finals in 1975.

Known as an elite shooter, Keller knocked down 506 career 3-pointers which are second-most in ABA history. He averaged 11.8 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game in his 556-game career.

After his playing career, Keller served as an assistant coach at Purdue before taking the reins as head coach at the University of Indianapolis for seven seasons.