Quinn Buckner, born on August 20, 1954, is a distinguished American former professional basketball player and coach. He made his mark in collegiate basketball at Indiana University, where he captained the Hoosiers to an undefeated national championship in 1976. This remarkable achievement not only solidified his legacy in college basketball but also paved the way for his selection as the seventh pick in the 1976 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.
During his ten-year NBA career, Buckner showcased his talents with three teams: the Milwaukee Bucks, the Boston Celtics, and the Indiana Pacers. His tenure with the Celtics culminated in an NBA championship in 1984, adding to his impressive accolades. Buckner is one of only eight players in history to achieve the coveted basketball Triple Crown, having won an NCAA championship, an NBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal. Furthermore, he is among a select group of three players to have won a high school state championship in Illinois, an NCAA championship, an NBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal.
After hanging up his sneakers, Buckner transitioned into coaching, serving as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks for one season from 1993 to 1994. His expertise in basketball also led him to a successful career as a play-by-play announcer for college basketball games on 989 Sports. Currently, he lends his insights as a color analyst for the Pacers television broadcast team on FanDuel Sports Network Indiana, continuing to share his passion for the game.