Bob Netolicky

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Lore & Background

Netolicky played for the Indiana Pacers from 1967 to 1972, then for the Dallas Chaparrals in 1972–73, and returned to the Pacers from 1973 to 1975, playing four games in the 1975–76 season. He also briefly played for the San Antonio Spurs at the start of the 1973–74 season before being reacquired by the Pacers.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with tension as the Pacers fought to defend their title in the 1970 ABA Finals. Bob Netolicky caught a pass at the high post, faked left, then drove hard to the basket, drawing a foul. The ball banked in—and-one. 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. He also grabbed a rebound with six seconds left, drew a foul, and made two free throws to complete the scoring. Outside, the Indianapolis night was cold, but inside, the heat of a dynasty was just getting started.

Reader's Guide

Netolicky was a well-rounded player who could rebound, defend, and shoot. He was named to the All-ABA Rookie team in 1967–68, was a four-time ABA All-Star, and was selected to the All-ABA Second Team in 1969–70. He ended his ABA career with 9,876 points and 5,518 rebounds.

Did You Know?

• Netolicky negotiated a Chevrolet Corvette into his initial Pacers signing bonus.
• He once played for both the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers in the same game after a protested game was replayed.
• He owned a popular nightclub in Indianapolis called Neto's.
• He kept exotic pets including a lion and an ocelot.