gold star for USAHOF

32. Bill Keller

32. Bill Keller

Bill Keller would be drafted from Purdue by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 7th Round in 1969, but he had a much better chance playing in the ABA, and he would sign with the Indiana Pacers of the ABA.

Keller was an excellent shooter in college, and the ABA, which implemented the three-point shot was a much better fit for him.  The Guard was second all-time in Three-Point Field Goals and seventh in Three Point Field Goal Percentage all-time in the ABA.  Keller would lead the league three times in three-pointers and was also first in Free Throw Percentage in 1972-73.  He wasn't a star player, but a beautiful piece in what would lead to three ABA Championships for Indiana.

What hurts Keller is that he wasn't a great passer, and his game was on the one-dimensional side.  Still, this is a three-time Champion, and not many Pacers can say that.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Point Guard, Shooting Guard
  • Acquired: Signed prior to the 1969-70 Season.
  • Departed: Retired after the 1975-76 Season.
  • Games Played: 556
  • Per Game Averages: 24.5 MP
    .469 eFG%
    .872 FT%
    11.8 PTS
    2.4 RB
    3.6 AST
    0.7 STL*
    0.0 BLK*

    95 Playoff Games
    26.4 MP
    .470 eFG%
    .871 FT%
    13.0 PTS
    2.4 RB
    3.5 AST
    0.4 STL*
    0.0 BLK*

    *Steals and Blocks were not calculated until the 1973-74 Season.
  • Advanced Stats: 15.0 PER
    .519 TS%
    3.0 VORP**
    30.1 WS

    95 Playoff Games
    14.9 PER
    .524 TS%
    0.3 VORP**
    5.9 WS

    *VORP was not calculated until the 1973-74 Season.
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    ABA Champion (1970, 1972 & 1973)
    Most Three-Point Field Goals (1972-73, 1974-75 & 1975-76)
    Most Three-Point Field Goal Attempts (1972-73, 1974-75 & 1975-76)
    Highest Free Throw Percentage (1972-73)




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