Expert: Ben - 12/29/2001

Question
Saturday, December 29, 2001
Question:
Did Ron Bonham, who played at the University of Cincinnati and for the Boston Celtics in the 1960's, ever play for the Cincinnati Royals?
If he did, what years did he play for them?

Ben, I hope you can clear this up for me.  
Thanks,
Ron

Answer
Dear Ron,
No, Bonham never played for the Royals. Here's a brief summary of his basketball career:
After graduating from Muncie Central High as Indiana's Mr. Basketball in 1960, he won an NCAA championship with the Cincinnati Bearcats in his sophomore year (1962).  The Bearcats again made the Final Four, but lost the title game to Loyola of Illinois.  Still, Bonham was named to the All Tournament Team, and he also was a First Team All American.  He earned Second Team All American honors in his senior season (1964).  In that same year, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics (2nd round, 16th overall).  The Celtics won NBA Championships in Bonham's first two seasons (1964-65, 1965-66) his only years in the NBA .  He didn't play pro basketball in the 1966-67 season, but in 1967-68 was an inaugural member of the ABA's Indiana Pacers.  That was his last season of pro basketball as injuries cut his career short.  You can go to the following site for more information on his amateur career:
http://www.hoopshall.com/inductees/1991/bonham.html

Today, Bonham is active in the coummunity as a member of the Delaware County (Indiana) Commissioner's Office.

If you would like any more information or have any further questions, please let me know.

Thank you and best wishes,
Ben Kopnick