Freddie Lewis

Frederick L. Lewis (born July 1, 1943) is an American former basketball player who played professionally in both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the American Basketball Association (ABA). A 6 ft 0 in guard born in Huntington, West Virginia, he was a fundamentally sound player who could pass, shoot, and defend equally well. He attended McKeesport Area High School in Pennsylvania and Arizona State University.

A 10th-round draft pick of the NBA's Cincinnati Royals in 1966, Lewis earned a spot as Oscar Robertson's backup, averaging 4.7 points and 1.3 assists per game. He credited Robertson with influencing him both on and off the court, recalling that Robertson taught him how to be cool and how to handle situations.

Lewis went on to play a prominent role on three ABA championship teams for the Indiana Pacers, averaging 16.6 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.0 rebounds over seven seasons. His 11,660 points rank sixth most in ABA history, while his 2,883 assists rank fourth.

He holds a distinction as the only player to begin his career in the NBA, play all nine full ABA seasons from 1967 to 1976 until the NBA/ABA merger, and then sign back with the NBA.