Clutch in Crimson: Bob ‘Slick’ Leonard and the Making of a Hoosier Legend

William Robert “Slick” Leonard (July 17, 1932 – April 13, 2021) was a towering figure in Indiana basketball, leaving an indelible mark as a player, coach, and broadcaster. His contributions to the sport, especially within the state of Indiana, have cemented his legacy as one of basketball’s most influential personalities.

Early Life and College Career

Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Leonard showcased his athletic prowess early on at Gerstmeyer Technical High School, excelling in both basketball and tennis. His basketball talents earned him All-State honors, and he clinched the Indiana State Tennis Singles Championship, highlighting his versatility as an athlete.

Remembering Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard

Arrival at Indiana

Leonard enrolled at Indiana University in 1950 after a stellar prep career at Terre Haute Gerstmeyer High School. IU head coach Branch McCracken, known for his up-tempo “Hurryin’ Hoosiers” style, recruited Leonard for his scrappy play, basketball IQ, and court leadership.

Leonard became the starting point guard and quickly emerged as a floor general—a tenacious, heady player who made up for his average size (6’3″, 185 lbs) with toughness and leadership.

A Tribute to a Hoosier Legend. Bobby Slick Leonard

1952–53 Season: National Championship Glory

The 1952–53 season is the crown jewel of Leonard’s college career.

• Team Composition: The Hoosiers were loaded with talent, including Don Schlundt (an All-American center), Dick Farley, and Charlie Kraak. Leonard served as team captain and was the floor leader.

• Big Ten Champions: Indiana stormed through the Big Ten and earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

• NCAA Tournament Run:

  • IU defeated DePaul and Notre Dame to reach the Final Four.

  • In the national semifinal, Indiana beat LSU.

  • In the 1953 NCAA Championship Game, IU faced Kansas, coached by the legendary Phog Allen.

The title game came down to the wire. With the score tied at 68 and just seconds left, Leonard was fouled and sent to the free-throw line.

• He calmly knocked down the go-ahead free throw with 27 seconds left to give Indiana a 69–68 lead.

• His free throw clinched Indiana’s second NCAA title (their first had come in 1940).

Leonard’s performance under pressure became legendary. That free throw is still considered one of the most iconic moments in Indiana basketball history.

1953–54 Season: Senior Year and Continued Excellence

Leonard returned for his senior season in 1953–54 as a first-team All-American and the unquestioned team leader.

• Statistical Strength: While stats from the era are less comprehensive than modern data, Leonard was known for solid scoring, elite defense, and distribution.

• Back-to-Back Big Ten Titles: The Hoosiers won the Big Ten again, making Leonard one of the few players in program history to captain back-to-back conference title teams.

• IU, however, wasn’t invited to the NCAA Tournament despite a 20–4 record, due to a then-restrictive rule allowing only one team per conference in the tourney. This controversial rule kept a strong IU team from defending their title.

Playing Style and Leadership

Leonard was not flashy, but he was gritty and brilliant in the clutch. He played tenacious defense, controlled the tempo, and made teammates better. His on-court demeanor and intelligence made him an ideal point guard in McCracken’s fast-paced system.

He was described as:

• “A coach on the floor”

• “The heart and soul of the team”

• A vocal leader who was deeply respected by teammates and opponents alike

Legacy at Indiana

• Two Big Ten Titles (1953, 1954)

• 1953 NCAA Champion

• Team Captain of both title teams

• All-American & All-Big Ten honors

• Clutch gene: remembered for delivering in the biggest moment in IU history

In later decades, Leonard remained a beloved Hoosier icon. He stayed connected to the university, frequently spoke about his IU memories, and represented the Hoosier spirit through his coaching and broadcasting.

In 2006, Indiana University inducted Leonard into the IU Athletics Hall of Fame, further cementing his place in the school’s rich basketball history.

Professional Playing Career

Selected 10th overall in the 1954 NBA Draft by the Baltimore Bullets, Leonard’s professional playing career began after a two-year stint in the U.S. Army. He played seven seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers and later with the Chicago Packers/Zephyrs. Over his NBA career, he averaged 9.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.

Coaching Career and ABA Success

Leonard transitioned into coaching in 1962, starting as a player-coach for the Chicago Zephyrs. He continued coaching after the team’s relocation to become the Baltimore Bullets. However, his most significant coaching achievements came with the Indiana Pacers, whom he led from 1968 to 1980.

Under Leonard’s guidance, the Pacers became a dominant force in the American Basketball Association (ABA), capturing three championships in 1970, 1972, and 1973. He was renowned for his strategic acumen and ability to inspire his players, earning him the title of ABA’s All-Time Coach. Leonard amassed 529 wins with the Pacers, a franchise record, and his teams made five ABA Finals appearances.

Beyond his coaching prowess, Leonard played a pivotal role in ensuring the Pacers’ survival during financial hardships, notably organizing a telethon in 1977 that raised essential funds to keep the franchise afloat.

Pacers community celebrates the life of Bobby “Slick” Leonard

Broadcasting and “Boom, Baby!”

After retiring from coaching, Leonard became the Pacers’ radio color commentator in 1985, a position he held for over three decades. His enthusiastic commentary and signature exclamation “Boom, baby!” following Pacers’ three-point shots endeared him to fans and became synonymous with Pacers basketball.

Honors and Legacy

Leonard’s contributions to basketball have been widely recognized. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, the Indiana University Sports Hall of Fame, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.

In honor of his 529 coaching victories, the Pacers raised a banner bearing the number 529 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a tribute typically reserved for retired player jerseys.

Bobby “Slick” Leonard’s Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

Personal Life and Passing

Leonard met his wife, Nancy, during his college years, and the couple shared a marriage that spanned over 60 years, raising five children together.

He passed away on April 13, 2021, at the age of 88. Tributes poured in from across the basketball community, with many highlighting his profound impact on the sport and the state of Indiana. Indiana University men’s basketball coach Mike Woodson remarked, “He has meant as much as anyone in the state of Indiana when it comes to the game of basketball.”

Bobby “Slick” Leonard’s legacy is etched in the annals of basketball history. His passion, leadership, and dedication to the game have left an enduring impact, making him a true icon of Indiana basketball.

Bobby ‘Slick’ Leonard: Heart of a Hoosier