Larry Steele

Larry Nelson Steele (born May 5, 1949) is a former professional basketball player, best known for being on the Portland Trail Blazers team that won the 1977 NBA Finals.
Early life.
Born in Greencastle, Indiana, Steele grew up in Bainbridge, Indiana, and played collegiately at the University of Kentucky under coach Adolph Rupp. As a junior at Bainbridge High School, he had a high game of 46 points and 38 points as a high game during senior year. He scored a total of 1,646 high school points. His senior year he was selected All-County, All-Sectional, All-Regional, All- Semi-State, Indianapolis News 1st Team All-State, and a member of the Indiana All-Star Team. In 2003, he was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
College career.
At the University of Kentucky, he was a three-year starter, averaging 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He was selected 1st Team All-SEC twice, Co-captain, MVP, Leadership Award, Hustle Award, led the UK team in assists and free throws. In 2003, he was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. As a junior in 1970, Steele earned 3rd team UPI/Coaches All-SEC honors and in 1971 as a senior 2nd team AP and 3rd team UPI/Coaches All-SEC honors.
NBA Playing Career.
Portland Trail Blazers.
He was drafted by the Trail Blazers in 1971, with the 2nd pick in the 3rd round (37th overall) and by the Kentucky Colonels in the 1971 American Basketball Association draft. In 1974 he was drafted again by the Kentucky Colonels in the 5th round of the ABA draft of NBA players. He joined the Trail Blazers at the start of the Blazers' second season and became a roster mainstay for nine years before knee injuries forced him into retirement at the end of the 1979–80 season. 
NBA career statistics.
[[File:Larry Steele program.jpeg|thumb|Steele on the cover of a Portland Trail Blazers program in 1971.|alt=|326x326px]]
External links.
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American men's basketball coaches]]
[[Category:American men's basketball players]]
[[Category:Basketball coaches from Indiana]]
[[Category:Basketball players from Indiana]]
[[Category:Guards (basketball)]]
[[Category:Kentucky Colonels draft picks]]
[[Category:Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball players]]
[[Category:National Basketball Association broadcasters]]
[[Category:National Basketball Association players with retired numbers]]
[[Category:People from Greencastle, Indiana]]
[[Category:Portland Pilots men's basketball coaches]]
[[Category:Portland Trail Blazers draft picks]]
[[Category:Portland Trail Blazers players]]