Bob Netolicky
A graduate of Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where his father was a surgeon, Netolicky was an All-American selection at Drake University, playing for Coach Maury John.Netolicky was named to the All–ABA Rookie team with Louie Dampier of the Kentucky Colonels, Mel Daniels of the Minnesota Muskies, Jimmy Jones of the New Orleans Buccaneers and Trooper Washington of the Pittsburgh Pipers.Playing alongside Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame members Roger Brown and Mel Daniels, as well as Freddie Lewis, Netolicky averaged 18.9 points and 10.2 rebounds in the regular season.After defeating the Kentucky Colonels and Miami Floridians in the playoffs, the Pacers advanced to the ABA Finals, where they lost to the Oakland Oaks in five games.In the finals victory over the New York Nets, losing time to Pacers teammate George McGinnis, Netolicky averaged 4.3 points in the six game series.Netolicky continued with the franchise to begin the 1973–74 season, playing 19 games with the Spurs at power forward and averaging 12.1 points and 5.3 rebounds at age 31.He scored total 10 points in seven playoff games, playing as a deep reserve, as the Pacers were defeated by the Kentucky Colonels after advancing to the ABA Finals.[32][33] In 1978, Netolicky played eight games with the Baltimore Metros/Mohawk Valley Thunderbirds of the Continental Basketball Association, averaging 15.0 points and 7.0 rebounds.[37] Bob Netolicky was a fan favorite during his playing days, well known for his advocacy of mod lifestyle and his exotic pets (including a lion and an ocelot).One sportswriter called him the "Broadway Joe Namath of the ABA", since he had become a veritable sex symbol to many of Indiana's female fans.[4] During his career, Netolicky owned a popular nightclub in Indianapolis called Neto's, located in the Meadows Shopping Center.