Olympic gold medallist and versatile big man who contributed across 11 NBA seasons.
Carlos Bob Boozer was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1937. He attended Kansas State University before Cincinnati Royals selected him in the 1960 NBA Draft. He won Olympic gold with the USA at Rome 1960 alongside Oscar Robertson, Jerry West and Jerry Lucas. His 11-season career produced 14.0 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. He was selected to one All-Star game. He was the Cincinnati Royals' primary big man during his competitive early 1960s period alongside Oscar Robertson. His combination of scoring and rebounding was consistent across his career, though he never played on a championship team. He had a son, Carlos Boozer Jr., who also played in the NBA — producing one of the NBA's more obscure father-son connections. His career reflects the transition generation between the Mikan era and the Russell/Chamberlain era — competent, consistent professional play that filled a role without defining a dynasty.
Olympic gold medalist and NBA scoring forward
How They Played
Versatile forward with strong shooting and rebounding ability
Lasting Impact
Smooth-shooting forward who bridged amateur and professional eras
Olympic Gold Medal (1960)
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold Medal (1960)
- All-Star 1x
- NBA scoring contributor
- Cincinnati Royals cornerstone