Don Buse

The original steal-and-assist king who bridged the ABA and NBA.

via Wikipedia: Don Buse · see source

Donald R. Buse (born August 10, 1950) is an American former professional basketball player. A 6 ft point guard from the University of Evansville, he played 13 seasons (1972–1985) in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Indiana Pacers, the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Kansas City Kings.

Quick Facts

Born: 10 August 1950
Birthplace: Huntingburg, Indiana, U.S.
High school: Holland (Holland, Indiana)
College: Evansville (1969–1972)
Draft round: 3
Draft pick: 34
Drafted by: Phoenix Suns
Career number: 10, 11

Lore & Background

Buse was named an Indiana All-Star in 1968 after leading Holland High School to Sectional Championships in 1967 and 1968. He played for legendary coach Arad McCutchan at Evansville, leading the Purple Aces to a four-year record of 68–42 and the 1971 NCAA Division II championship. He ranks in the top 13 all-time at Evansville in several categories. Buse was selected to the USA Basketball Team in 1971 and participated in the Pan-American Games. He was invited to the 1972 U.S. Olympic Trials but declined to pursue a professional career.

Reader's Guide

Buse was known for dependable ball-handling, tight defense, and clutch-shooting. He appeared in two All-Star games (one in the ABA in 1976; one in the NBA in 1977). His best season was 1975–76, when he led the ABA in steals per game (4.12) and assists per game (8.2) while averaging a career-high 12.5 points per game. In his first NBA season (1976–77), he again led all players in steals per game (3.47) and assists per game (8.5). He was an All-Defensive Team member six times from 1974–75 through 1979–80 (first two in ABA, final four in NBA). In 1979, he helped the Suns deep into the playoffs alongside Paul Westphal, Walter Davis, Truck Robinson, and Alvan Adams.