Don Buse

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Don Buse joined the Indiana Pacers in 1972 after being selected for the NCAA squad to compete for positions on the 1972 U.S. Olympic basketball team, but he was replaced by Jim Forbes as he signed a professional contract. Buse went on to play professionally for the Indiana Pacers. He was an All-Defensive Team member six times, from the 1974–75 season through the 1979–80 season. The first two were in the ABA and the final four were in the NBA. Buse was known for his dependable ball-handling, tight defense, and clutch-shooting. In 1979, Buse helped take the Suns deep into the playoffs on a team with notable players, such as Paul Westphal, Walter Davis, Truck Robinson and Alvan Adams. After Buse's career he was selected to several All-time teams, including the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame 'Silver Anniversary' Team in 1993, the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, and one of Indiana's Greatest 50 players in 1999.

In Their Own Story

The source does not provide a specific story or narrative about a single game or moment for Don Buse with the Indiana Pacers. It states that he played for the Indiana Pacers, the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Kansas City Kings, and that in 1979 he helped take the Suns deep into the playoffs. No specific Pacers playoff moments or games are described.

Reader's Guide

Don Buse played professionally for the Indiana Pacers, the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Kansas City Kings. He appeared in two All-Star games (one in the ABA in 1976; one in the NBA in 1977). His best season occurred in 1975–76, when he led the ABA in both steals per game (4.12) and assists per game (8.2) while also contributing a career high 12.5 points per game. In the next season, his first in the NBA, Buse again led all players in steals per game (3.47) and assists per game (8.5). Buse was an All-Defensive Team member six times, from the 1974–75 season through the 1979–80 season. The first two were in the ABA and the final four were in the NBA. After Buse's career he was selected to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame 'Silver Anniversary' Team in 1993, the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, and one of Indiana's Greatest 50 players in 1999.

Did You Know?

• Don Buse led the ABA in both steals per game (4.12) and assists per game (8.2) in the 1975–76 season.
• In his first NBA season (1976–77), Buse led all players in steals per game (3.47) and assists per game (8.5).
• Buse was an All-Defensive Team member six times, from the 1974–75 season through the 1979–80 season.
• He was selected to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.
• Buse was selected as one of Indiana's Greatest 50 players in 1999.