Jim Rowinski
James Rowinski | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | February 1, 2024 (aged 63) |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player |
| Known for | Collegiate basketball at Purdue University, NBA career with Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat |
James Rowinski (January 4, 1961 – February 1, 2024) was an American professional basketball athlete who competed at the collegiate level for the Purdue Boilermakers.
College career
Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, Rowinski played as a center at Purdue University. Teaming up with fellow center Russell Cross, he contributed to the Boilermakers achieving a 21–11 record and securing third place in the NIT during Gene Keady’s inaugural coaching season. During his sophomore year, Purdue advanced to the NIT Finals, and in his junior year, the team progressed to the second round of the 1983 NCAA Tournament. Following Cross’s departure to the NBA, Rowinski assumed the role of starting center. His senior year was marked by sharing the Big Ten Conference championship, participating in the 1984 NCAA Tournament, and compiling a 22–7 record while averaging 15 points per game. He received First Team All-Big Ten recognition, was honored as co-MVP alongside point guard Ricky Hall, and was awarded the distinguished Chicago Tribune Trophy as the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player. Rowinski is one of only three Purdue athletes to have earned this distinction, joining Rick Mount and Glenn Robinson.
Professional career
Rowinski entered the professional ranks when he was selected in the fourth round of the 1984 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz. His NBA tenure began in 1988 with the Detroit Pistons, followed by stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat through 1990. Across 23 NBA appearances spanning two seasons, he posted averages of 2.5 points, 1.5 rebounds per game, with an 84.4% accuracy from the free-throw line and a 41.7% field goal percentage.
In addition to his NBA career, Rowinski competed in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) representing the Topeka Sizzlers from 1988 to 1990 and later with the Yakima Sun Kings during periods from 1990 to 1992 and again in 1995–96. His performance earned him All-CBA First Team selections in both 1990 and 1991.
Death
Rowinski passed away on February 1, 2024, at the age of 63.