Former Purdue basketball standout Jim Rowinski dies

WEST LAFAYETTE — Former Purdue basketball standout Jim Rowinski earned himself the role as fan favorite during his time with the Boilermakers.

The New York native came to West Lafayette as a walk-on and turned himself into the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player before leaving.

Rowinski, 63, died, according to a statement from Purdue basketball's social media accounts.

In 1983-84, Rowinski averaged 15 points and 6.7 rebounds, helping Gene Keady win his first Big Ten championship as Purdue coach. The Chicago Tribune Trophy was awarded to Rowinski after the season for being the Big Ten's most outstanding player.

After playing in just 11 games his first two seasons, Rowinski played 54 in his final two and started all 29 games as a senior, leading Purdue to a 22-7 record.

Rowinski was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 1984 and would play for the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Rowinski, leader of Purdue basketball's 1984 Big Ten title team, dies