Bob Elliott (basketball)

Robert Alan Elliott
Born	(1955-08-18) August 18, 1955 Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Basketball player, commentator, accountant
Years active	1973–1983 (basketball)
Known for	Collegiate basketball at University of Arizona, NBA career with New Jersey Nets, NBA Live video game commentary

Robert Alan Elliott (born August 18, 1955) is a retired American basketball athlete. During his collegiate career at the University of Arizona, Elliott distinguished himself as a three-time academic and athletic All-American, guiding the Wildcats to a Western Athletic Conference title and two appearances in the NCAA tournament. In 1977, he was honored as a Third Team All American and earned Third Team All-WAC recognition for three consecutive years (1975–1977). Additionally, Elliott was named an Academic All American each of those seasons. He holds both a Bachelor of Science in accounting and an MBA from the University of Arizona. Beyond his playing days, Elliott took on the role of chairman for the Retired NBA Players Association.

University of Arizona

Elliott entered the University of Arizona after graduating from Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Under the mentorship of coach Fred "The Fox" Snowden, who is credited with advancing Arizona basketball during an era when UCLA dominated the West Coast, Elliott made a significant impact. His contributions helped boost game attendance and financial gains, elevating the program’s national standing. Renowned for his proficient drop step maneuver, he maintained an average of 18.6 points per game throughout his tenure from 1973 to 1977. Elliott ranks second in Arizona’s history with 2,131 total points, 808 field goals made, and 515 free throws converted, surpassed only by Sean Elliott. His 39-point performance against Utah in 1977 remains among the top four highest single-game scoring feats in Arizona’s records.

NBA career

Although selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA draft, Elliott never suited up for them. He spent six months playing professionally in Europe before joining the New Jersey Nets, where he played for three seasons. Following his NBA career, Elliott briefly competed with the Detroit Spirits in the Continental Basketball Association during the 1982–83 season, securing a CBA championship with the team in 1983.

EA Sports

Among younger fans, Elliott is best known for his role as a color commentator’s voice in the NBA Live video games. From 1999 through 2003, he provided commentary alongside the late sportscaster Don Poier.

Community involvement

Elliott actively contributes to several charitable organizations and has established a scholarship fund at the University of Arizona bearing both his and his wife’s names. A passionate musician, he performs nationally with the NBA Retired Players Association Band, which is affiliated with NBA Cares initiatives. His wife is deeply engaged in education and community outreach, having received national accolades in counseling and holding multiple academic degrees.

Author of "Tucson A Basketball Town"

Released on February 26, 2014, this book documents basketball’s emergence at The University of Arizona during Fred Snowden’s coaching tenure. Co-authored with former NBA player Eric Money, it explores topics such as overcoming racial barriers, early contests at McKale Center, and Tucson’s fervent support for its basketball teams. The narrative also acknowledges teams that preceded Snowden’s era under coaches Lute Olson and Sean Miller.

Personal life

Elliott resides in Tucson, Arizona with his wife Beverely. Together they have four grown children and ten grandchildren. He is also proprietor of Elliott Accounting Group, a thriving Tucson-based accounting firm that has been operating successfully for over three decades.

NBA

Source

Regular season

Season	Team	Games Played	Minutes Per Game	Field Goal %	Three-Point %	Free Throw %	Rebounds Per Game	Assists Per Game	Steals Per Game	Blocks Per Game	Points Per Game
	New Jersey	14	20.1	.562		.732	4.0	1.6	.4	.3	8.8
	New Jersey	54	13.4	.443	.250	.684	3.4	1.0	.5	.3	5.7
	New Jersey	73	18.1	.511	.500	.599	3.6	1.8	.5	.2	7.5
Total		141	16.5	.494	.333	.649	3.6	1.4	.5	.2	7.0 See also List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 2000 points and 1000 rebounds External links Bob Elliott profile at Pioneer Athletics NBA career statistics on NBA.com Bob Elliott statistical history on Basketball-Reference.com