Jimmy Rayl: The Splendid Splinter of Indiana Hoosier Basketball

Jimmy Rayl, affectionately known as the “Splendid Splinter,” was a basketball icon whose exceptional sharpshooting skills left a lasting mark on Indiana basketball history. Born on June 21, 1941, in Kokomo, Indiana, Rayl’s journey from high school phenom to celebrated collegiate athlete and professional player showcases his incredible talent and dedication to the sport. **High School Stardom at Kokomo High School** Rayl’s basketball prowess became evident during his time at Kokomo High School. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing only 138 pounds as a senior, his slender frame belied his impressive scoring ability. In his senior year, he averaged an astounding 29.6 points per game, leading the Wildkats to the state championship game in 1959. During the final four games of the state tournament, Rayl scored a total of 114 points, surpassing a record previously held by the legendary Oscar Robertson. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious titles of Indiana Mr. Basketball and the Trester Mental Attitude Award in 1959. By the end of his high school career, Rayl had accumulated 1,632 points, solidifying his status as one of Indiana’s greatest high school players.

Collegiate Excellence at Indiana University

After achieving success in high school, Rayl went on to attend Indiana University. At that time, NCAA regulations required freshmen to sit out their first year. Once he became eligible to play, Rayl quickly made a significant impact on the Hoosiers’ basketball program under head coach Branch McCracken. During his junior year (1961-1962), Rayl’s scoring ability reached new heights. He set a record for both IU and the Big Ten by scoring 56 points in a game against Minnesota, a remarkable feat he duplicated against Michigan State in his senior year (1962-1963). These exceptional performances contributed to his averages of 29.8 points per game in his junior year and 25.3 points per game in his senior year. His outstanding play earned him All-Big Ten and All-American honors in both seasons. By the end of his collegiate career, Rayl had amassed a total of 1,401 points, which placed him among the top scorers in IU history.

Professional Career and Life After Basketball

After graduating from Indiana University (IU), Rayl was selected in the third round of the 1963 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals. However, he chose not to attend training camp without a guaranteed contract and instead joined the Goodyear Wingfoots, an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team. He led the Wingfoots to two national championships in 1964 and 1967. In 1967, Rayl returned to Indiana to play for the newly formed Indiana Pacers in the American Basketball Association (ABA). During the Pacers’ inaugural season (1967-1968), he averaged 12.0 points per game and was voted the team’s Most Popular Player by the fans. Unfortunately, the following season, his playing time decreased, and he was released from the team after just 27 games, effectively ending his professional basketball career. After his basketball career, Rayl worked for Xerox, dedicating 30 years to a sales route in central Indiana. He was honored with inductions into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989 and was also part of the inaugural class of the Howard County Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.

Legacy and Passing

Jimmy Rayl’s legacy in Indiana basketball is significant and enduring. His record-setting performances and dedication to the game have left a lasting mark on the state’s rich basketball history. Rayl passed away on January 20, 2019, at the age of 77 in his hometown of Kokomo. His contributions to the sport continue to be celebrated by basketball enthusiasts and historians alike. Rayl’s life story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the heights that can be achieved through talent, hard work, and a genuine passion for the game.