Daniels, a Hall of Famer who played with the ABA Pacers from 1968-1974, died Friday.
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“I join our extended Pacers family in offering my sincerest condolences to CeCe and Mel’s family”, said Pacers Sports & Entertainment owner Herb Simon.
The Pacers retired his jersey in 1985. His competitive attitude reflected his success on the floor with the Pacers and the ultimate recognition, a well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame. “We lost a great one today in Mel Daniels”, he said.
At 6-foot-9, Daniels was one of the finest rebounders in the ABA, leading the league in rebounding on three separate occasions. He also was the team’s director of player personnel and a team scout.
Mel is still the franchise leader in defensive rebounds (5,461), total rebounds (7,643), minutes per game (37.1), rebounds per game (16.0), PER (20.1) and total rebound percentage (19.5). He missed the league’s final season, 1975-76, with back problems and played 11 games for the New York Nets the following year after the National Basketball Association merger before calling it quits in December. On a per game basis, Daniels averaged more than five rebounds per game more than any other Pacers player.
Mel Daniels was more than basketball.
Mel is regarded as one of the best players in Pacers franchise history, as well as a member of the best duo in Pacers history (Mel Daniels and Roger Brown) too.
As an ISU assistant under Coach Bill Hodges, Daniels’ bell-bottomed suits and wide-lapel jackets became a fixture on the sidelines. “I loved Mel. I will miss him”.
Daniels was an assistant coach at Indiana State – where he rejoined former New Mexico coach Bob King – during Bird’s years at the school.
His rugged rebounding style became familiar to Terre Haute fans, who watched Daniels and the Pacers play several preseason ABA games in Hulman Center during the 1970s. Daniels had retired from the ABA in 1976, and played for King in college at the University of New Mexico. He started with the Minnesota Muskies for a season, but then spent a six-year run with the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers have already planned a moment of silence for Saturday’s home game against the Utah Jazz and will announce further tributes at a later date.
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In addition to his wife, CeCe, Mr. Daniels leaves a son, two granddaughters, and two sisters.
