Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is detailed information about Roger Brown:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Roger William Brown
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born May 22, 1942 – Died March 4, 1997 (aged 54)
  • Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
  • Height: 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m)
  • Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
  • Wingspan: 6 feet 6 inches
  • Shoe Size: Size 14 (US)
  • Number: Wore jersey number 35 throughout his career
  • Position: Small forward / Shooting guard
  • High School: Wingate High School (Brooklyn, New York)
  • College: None (barred from collegiate basketball due to a point-shaving scandal he was never proven to be involved in)
  • Teams Played For:
    1. Indiana Pacers (1967–1975, ABA)
    2. Memphis Sounds (1975, ABA)
    3. Utah Stars (1975, ABA)
  • Championship Rings: 3 (ABA Championships with the Indiana Pacers in 1970, 1972, and 1973)
  • Kids: Had children, but specific details are not widely disclosed
  • Siblings: Not publicly disclosed

Player Archetype / Play Style

Roger Brown’s player archetype was that of a smooth scoring wing, a polished shot-creator who could control possessions with patience, footwork, and one-on-one skill rather than pure speed or volume shooting. Defensively, he fit best as a strong, dependable forward who used size, balance, and effort to guard his area, rebound his position, and add value without being defined as a specialist stopper. Offensively, Brown was the kind of forward who could carry scoring responsibility, work comfortably from the mid-range, and create tough baskets off the dribble, which is a big reason he earned the nickname “The Man with a Thousand Moves.” At about 6-foot-5 with a sturdy frame, long reach, and a quick first step, he combined strength with fluid body control in a way that made his game look both forceful and graceful. His play style was built on poise and shot-making, blending old-school wing isolation scoring with smart all-around floor play that made him one of the ABA’s most complete stars. (The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame)

Fun Facts

  • Roger Brown was one of the greatest players in ABA history and was nicknamed “The Rajah.”
  • He was the first player to sign with the Indiana Pacers and became a cornerstone of the franchise.
  • Brown was known for his scoring ability, smooth style of play, and clutch performances, particularly in the ABA playoffs.
  • Despite being banned from the NCAA and NBA due to unproven allegations in a point-shaving scandal, Brown became a legend in the ABA.
  • Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
  • After retiring, Brown had various business ventures and served on the city council in Indianapolis.

Sources:
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — Roger Brown
NBA.com — Retired numbers for the Indiana Pacers
NBA.com — NBA birthdays: Players born on May 22