Indiana Pacers: Best player all-time from each Big XII program
Best Indiana Pacers Player from Iowa St.: Jamaal Tinsley
Jamaal Tinsley was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after going in the first round of the 2001 draft. He quickly became the starter and averaged 9.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
He continued to improve highlighted by his best statistical season in 2004-05 where he averaged 15.4 points, 6.4 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals but was limited to just 40 games due to injury. Tinsley helped the Pacers to five straight playoff appearances to begin his career including a trip to the conference finals in 2003-04.
After battling injuries and off-court issues, Tinsley was benched in 2008-09 until the team could work out a trade, but he was eventually released. He later spent time in Memphis, Utah, and the G-League. In 398 games with the Pacers, Tinsley averaged 10.4 points, 7.0 assists, and 1.3 rebounds which are all above his career average.
Best Indiana Pacers Player from Kansas: Dave Robisch
A 13-year ABA and NBA journeyman, Dave Robisch played three seasons with Indiana during the merger years from 1975 until being traded to the Lakers in 1978. The 6-10 big man was a force inside during the early parts of his career which included 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game averages as a Pacer.
After his playing days, Robisch moved back to his native Springfield, Illinois, and served as an elected official.