Football
Associated Press 17y

Larry Staverman dies; coached Pacers at ABA launch

INDIANAPOLIS -- Larry Staverman, who was the first coach of
the Indiana Pacers when they started as an ABA franchise, died
Wednesday after a long illness. He was 70.

The Pacers hired Staverman in 1967 before their inaugural season
after he had played in the NBA for five seasons and then was an
assistant coach at Notre Dame for two years. The Pacers finished
38-40 in their first season, but Staverman was fired and replaced
by Bobby "Slick" Leonard after a 2-7 start the following year.

"By being our first coach, he was a believer in the franchise
at a time when there were many doubters," Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh
said in a statement. "That is something we recognize and hope our
fans recognize. Our condolences go to his family and friends."

He played in the NBA beginning in 1958 with the Cincinnati
Royals, Chicago Zephyrs/Baltimore Bullets and Detroit Pistons,
averaging 4.7 points and 3.8 rebounds. He also coached the Kansas City Kings during the 1977-78 season, posting an 18-27 record.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; two sons; four daughters and 13 grandchildren.

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