Last Updated on December 23, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Kelly Tripucka is a retired American professional basketball player known for his scoring ability and contributions to multiple NBA teams during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Personal Information:

  • Full Name: Peter Kelly Tripucka
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: 65 (born February 16, 1959)
  • Hometown: Glen Ridge, New Jersey
  • Height: 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)
  • Weight: 220 pounds (99 kg)
  • Wingspan: Not publicly documented
  • Shoe Size: Not publicly documented

Basketball Career:

  • High School: Bloomfield High School, Bloomfield, New Jersey
    • Tripucka was a three-year starter, scoring 2,278 points over his high school career, including 1,045 during his senior year. His jersey (#42) was retired by Bloomfield High School.
  • College: University of Notre Dame (1977–1981)
    • A four-year starter under coach Digger Phelps, Tripucka led the Fighting Irish in scoring each year. He was a two-time consensus second-team All-American (1979, 1981) and helped Notre Dame reach the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons, including a Final Four appearance in 1978.
  • NBA Draft: Selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 1st round (12th overall pick) of the 1981 NBA Draft.
  • Position: Small Forward
  • Jersey Numbers: Wore #7 and #4 during his NBA career.

Teams Played For:

  1. Detroit Pistons (1981–1986): Tripucka made an immediate impact, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 1982 and being selected as an NBA All-Star in 1982 and 1984.
  2. Utah Jazz (1986–1987): Continued to be a key contributor during his tenure with the Jazz.
  3. Charlotte Hornets (1988–1991): Joined the Hornets during their inaugural season and became the first player in franchise history to score a point.

Career Achievements:

  • NBA All-Star: Two times (1982, 1984).
  • NBA All-Rookie First Team: 1982.
  • Notre Dame Ring of Honor Inductee: 2020.

Personal Life:

  • Father: Frank Tripucka, a former NFL Pro-Bowl quarterback.
  • Children:
    • Travis Tripucka: Played professional football as a long snapper.
    • Jake Tripucka: Professional lacrosse player.
  • Siblings: Information about his siblings is not publicly documented.

Fun Facts

  • After retiring from professional basketball, Tripucka transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a color commentator for the Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks.
  • His legacy in basketball is marked by his scoring prowess, versatility on the court, and contributions to the teams he played for during his decade-long NBA career.