Jim Rowinski, Former Purdue Basketball Star, Big Ten Player of the Year, Dies at 63

Jim Rowinski, a former Purdue basketball standout and the 1984 Big Ten Player of the Year, has died. He was 63.

A family member of Rowinski's shared the sad news in a social media post. The Purdue basketball program released a statement on the former Boilermaker's passing.

"Saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Rowinski. Row was one of the greatest success stories in Purdue history, going from walk-on to 1984 Big Ten Player of the Year before having an extended career overseas," Purdue's statement reads.

"Our condolences go out to Jim’s family and friends."

Rowinski played at Purdue from 1980-84 and was a member of Gene Keady's first team in West Lafayette. A native of New York, the 6-foot-8, 250-pound center started his career as a walk-on. But over the course of his career, he developed into one of the best players in the Big Ten.

As a senior in the 1983-84 season, Rowinski averaged 15 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for the Boilermakers. He helped lead Purdue to a 22-7 record, which included a 15-3 mark in Big Ten play.

Purdue shared the Big Ten regular season title with Illinois that season.

Rowisnki was awarded the Chicago Tribune Trophy in 1984 for his efforts on the court. At the time, that honor was presented to the Most Valuable Player in the Big Ten.

The Utah Jazz selected Rowinski in the fourth round of the 1984 NBA Draft. He also had stops with the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. Rowisnki also played several years overseas.

Rowinski ended his career at Purdue with 542 points and 283 rebounds.

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