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Jim Rowinski
Personal information
Born (1961-01-04)January 4, 1961
Long Island, New York, U.S.
Nationality American
Died February 2, 2024(2024-02-02) (aged 63)
High school Syosset (Syosset, New York)
Listed height 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Listed weight 250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
College Purdue (1980–1984)
NBA Draft 1984 / Round: 4 / Pick: 86th overall
Selected by the Utah Jazz
Career history
1988 Long Island Knights
1988–1989 Topeka Sizzlers
1989 Detroit Pistons
1989 Philadelphia 76ers
1989–1990 Topeka Sizzlers
1990 Miami Heat
1990–1991 Yakima Sun Kings
1991 CB Breogán
1991–1992 BC Castors Braine
1991–1992 Yakima Sun Kings
1992 Long Island Surf
1992–1994 Karşıyaka
1995 Long Island Surf
1995 Miami Tropics
1995 Memphis Fire
1995–1996 Yakima Sun Kings
1997 Long Island Surf
Career highlights and awards
  • CBA rebounding leader (1991)
  • Chicago Tribune Silver Basketball (1984)
  • First-team All-Big Ten (1984)

James "Jim" Rowinski (born January 4, 1961 – died February 2, 2024) was an American professional basketball player. He was known for playing as a power forward and center. Jim played for several teams during his career, including some in the NBA.

Jim's College Basketball Journey

Jim Rowinski was a tall player, standing 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm) and weighing 250 pounds (113 kg). He played college basketball at Purdue University. During his first year, he helped the Boilermakers team. They finished with a good record of 21 wins and 11 losses. They also placed third in the NIT.

In his second year, Jim helped Purdue reach the NIT Finals. The next year, as a junior, he led his team to the second round of the 1983 NCAA Tournament.

Becoming a Star Player

After his teammate Russell Cross left for the NBA, Jim became the main center for the Boilermakers. In his final year, he led the team to share the Big Ten Conference title. They also earned a spot in the 1984 NCAA Tournament. That season, the team had a great record of 22 wins and 7 losses. Jim averaged 15 points per game.

Jim was recognized for his amazing play. He was named to the First Team All-Big Ten. He also shared the team's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award with Ricky Hall. Jim received the Chicago Tribune Trophy. This award is given to the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player. He was one of only three Purdue players to ever win this special trophy.

Jim's Professional Basketball Career

After college, Jim Rowinski was chosen by the Utah Jazz in the fourth round of the 1984 NBA draft. Even though he was drafted in 1984, he didn't start playing in the NBA until 1988.

Playing in the NBA

Jim played in the NBA from 1988 to 1990. He played for the Detroit Pistons, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Miami Heat. His NBA career lasted for 23 games over two seasons. During these games, he averaged 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. He was also very good at free throws, making 84.4% of them.

Playing Around the World

Besides the NBA, Jim played for many other teams. He played for teams like the Long Island Knights and Topeka Sizzlers. He also played internationally for teams such as CB Breogán in Spain and Karşıyaka in Turkey. In 1991, he was the top rebounder in the CBA.

His Passing

Jim Rowinski passed away on February 2, 2024, at the age of 63.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Jim Rowinski para niños]

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