Mel Peterson

Melvin Lowell Peterson (born March 23, 1938) is an American former National Basketball Association (NBA) and American Basketball Association (ABA) player.

Mel Peterson
Personal information
Born (1938-03-23) March 23, 1938
Thief River Falls, Minnesota
NationalityAmerican
Listed height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight185 lb (84 kg)
Career information
High schoolStephenson (Stephenson, Michigan)
CollegeWheaton (1956–1960)
NBA draft1960: 11th round, 78th overall pick
Selected by the Detroit Pistons
Playing career1963–1970
PositionShooting guard / small forward
Number16, 40, 44
Career history
1963–1964Baltimore Bullets
19671969Oakland Oaks
1969–1970Los Angeles Stars
Career highlights and awards
  • ABA champion (1969)
  • NCAA College Division champion (1957)
  • NCAA College Division Tournament MVP (1957)
Career statistics
Points1,032 (7.7 ppg)
Rebounds635 (4.7 rpg)
Assists160 (1.2 apg)
Stats  at NBA.com
Stats  at Basketball-Reference.com
Medals
Representing  United States
Men's basketball
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 1963 São Paulo Team Competition

Collegiate career

Mel attended Wheaton College. While at Wheaton College, Mel was selected as a three-time All-American basketball player.[1] He was also selected as the Most Outstanding Player of the 1957 NCAA Men's Division II basketball tournament, as Wheaton College won the inaugural NCAA Division II tournament.[2] Mel finished his career at Wheaton College, averaging 22.7 points and 15.8 rebounds per game. He still ranks as Wheaton College's all-time leader in points per game, career points, field goals made, and career rebounds.[3]

Professional career

Mel was drafted with the fourth pick in the 11th round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons. On August 15, 1963, Mel signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Bullets. In two games with the Bullets, Mel recorded a total of two points and one rebound. Peterson did not play for the following three seasons. Mel made his ABA debut on October 13, 1967, for the Oakland Oaks.[4]

References

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