Remember The ABA: Rick "The Rocket" Mount

Rick Mount was considered an excellent pro prospect, but because the general managers of the NBA knew that Mount was already signed by the ABA, he was not drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers until the middle of the 8th round of the 1970 NBA Draft. Mount was, however, drafted in the ABA by the Indiana Pacers as the 1st overall pick in 1970. As a result, his legendary status in Indiana made it a foregone conclusion that he would sign with the Indiana Pacers of the rival ABA. At the time, the ABA was the only professional league that featured a three-point line, which worked to Mount's advantage, as he was an outside shooter. During his first season in the ABA, Mount was offered $40,000 from Pro-Keds to wear its new suede basketball shoe. He declined the offer, because he personally preferred Chuck Taylors of the Converse brand.
Playing for head coach Bob "Slick" Leonard, along with such teammates as George McGinnis, Mel Daniels and Bob Netolicky, he led the Pacers to the 1972 ABA Championship against Rick Barry and the New York Nets. He handed off 2.9 assists and averaged 14.2 points a game, racking up 57 three-pointers in his second season as a Pacer. Along with old college teammate Billy Keller and Roger Brown, they made Indiana a constant threat beyond the arc.

[@jingqi9106]

Rick Mount is an Indiana basketball legend and is one of the greatest shooters of his generation. As a high school player he was Mr Basketball, was the first high school player to make the cover of Sports Illustrated, and was named the high school Player of the Year. He followed that up by being named to the NCAA All American team 3 times at Purdue, led Purdue to the NCAA title game, and averaged over 32 ppt for his college career. "The Rocket" and his 61 point outburst against Iowa is testimony to is ability to get red hot and still stands as the Big !0 record.
He was fortunate to be able to play his pro career in Indiana with the Pacers and he played on some outstanding Pacers teams that were loaded with talent. With that much talent around him he became more of a role player but still had a fine career and remained a great shooter. He had a relatively short career but helped bring home the ABA championship in '72 to his home state. Rick Mount is one of the greatest shooters ever from the state of Indiana and his exploits as a high school and college star will go down in history.

[@stever1791]

One of the All Time Greats in the College Game. Also one of my favorite players . On Rick Mount Day at Purdue a few years back , was one of the Most Wonderful Days in Purdue Basketball History. Thanks for posting this and thanks Rick Mount for the Great Memories

[@senseichess8688]

Yes a big time college career

[@NHRebelsthoughts]

I've never heard of him. His pull up jumper was DEADLY !

[@johannesswillery7855]

He had some great games against the Flint Tropics!!!!!!!!!!

[@trapezemusic]

Very nice move at the 1:45 mark. Thanks for posting this and your other Remember the ABA videos. Keep them coming.

[@mlbolts72]

Great shooter 😊🏀

[@michaellucas8537]

Billy Keller was a better player.

[@brianarbenz1329]

Keller was more versatile. He played an important role on a Pacers ABA title team, and Herm Gilliam was a crucial reserve on the Trailblazers NBA champs. Of that loaded Purdue runner up team from 1969, Mount had less pro impact than either of them.