G2G: Bobby "Slick" Leonard Passed Away

Question

For anyone who was an Indiana Pacer fan, from the ABA days especially, the name Slick Leonard was a household name in Indiana. Bobby was a great college player, and became an NBA player for seven years, but after this he landed on the doorstep of the ABA Indiana Pacers and started a 12-year coaching stint that led him to 3 ABA Championships. He never seemed to quite have a successful season when the team transitioned to the NBA, so he was cut and the team moved on.

But Bobby was still committed to the Pacers. A few years later he began as a commentator on the radio, and eventually trademarked his classic "BOOM BABY" that he'd yell when a Pacer hit a 3-pointer.

He retired a few years back when his health wouldn't let him go on. He died the other day at the age of 88. Hope he's commentating games in Heaven now, with the echoes of "BOOM BABY" going across the clouds.

I've started work on his profile, and if you want to see an obit, give this one a shot. If you've interest in his profile, please jump in and add to it.

https://apnews.com/article/bobby-slick-leonard-dead-cddc0dfa1516f0d3b21c4aaea255791c

Answer 1

Ah, the old ABA. I was a Carolina Cougars fan way back. Hide were the days.

RIP, Bobby Leonard. I probably saw you play at the old Charlotte Coliseum.

Answer 2

Slick should be connected to the global tree once the links update tonight.

Answer 3

I was curious about his paternal line. I added the small clue I found (nearby family with the Leonard last name) as a research note to his grandfather's profile: William L Leonard (1857 - 1936).