04/30/2026
Bob Netolicky was a bad dude……. In college… Bob Netolicky was an All-American forward/center at Drake University (1963–1967), where he finished as the school's all-time leading rebounder (717) and fifth all-time leading scorer (997 points). A 1967 first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection, he averaged 17.6 points in his senior season before a stellar ABA career. And he was the Joe Namath of the ABA…. was a standout 6'9" forward/center for the Indiana Pacers (1967–1976), known as a key player in their ABA championships (1970, 1972) and a 4-time ABA All-Star. A stylish, charismatic, and popular fan favorite, he was famously dubbed the "Joe Namath of the ABA" for his colorful life off the court, which included owning exotic pets (a lion, ocelot, boa constrictor) and a popular Indianapolis bar.
