Larry Steele

Larry Nelson Steele, an American former professional basketball player, was born May 5, 1949, and is best known as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers team that won the 1977 NBA Finals. Born in Greencastle, Indiana, he grew up in Bainbridge, Indiana, where he starred at Bainbridge High School. As a junior he posted a high game of 46 points and a high game of 38 points as a senior, finishing with 1,646 career high school points. In his senior season he was selected All-County, All-Sectional, All-Regional, All-Semi-State, Indianapolis News First Team All-State, and a member of the Indiana All-Star Team.

Steele played collegiately at the University of Kentucky under coach Adolph Rupp, where he was a three-year starter. He averaged 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, and led the Kentucky team in assists and free throws. He was twice selected First Team All-SEC, and served as co-captain while earning MVP, Leadership Award, and Hustle Award honors. As a junior in 1970 he earned Third Team UPI/Coaches All-SEC recognition, and as a senior in 1971 he was named Second Team AP.

In 2003, Steele was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.