Illinois State Mourns the Loss of Hall of Famer Roger Powell

Redbird basketball legend and 1998 Illinois State Percy Family Hall of Fame inductee passes away at 72

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:10pm

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Roger Powell, a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter for the Illinois State Redbirds men's basketball team, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the age of 72. Powell was a standout player for the Redbirds, leading the team in scoring during the 1975-76 season and finishing his career with 1,306 points, the 20th-most in school history.

Why it matters

Powell was a beloved figure in the Illinois State community, having been inducted into the school's Percy Family Hall of Fame in 1998. His passing is a significant loss for the Redbirds basketball program and the university as a whole.

The details

During his four years with the Redbirds, Powell averaged 13.2 points per game and shot 48.1% from the field, making 568 career field goals. His career-high scoring game came on February 16, 1976, when he scored 39 points against Central Michigan. After graduating, Powell played in the World Masters Game in Brisbane, Australia, helping Team USA win the gold medal at the age of 40.

  • Roger Powell passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • Powell was inducted into the Illinois State Percy Family Hall of Fame in 1998.

The players

Roger Powell

A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter for the Illinois State Redbirds men's basketball team, Powell was a standout player who led the team in scoring during the 1975-76 season and finished his career with 1,306 points, the 20th-most in school history.

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The takeaway

Roger Powell's passing is a significant loss for the Illinois State community, as he was a beloved figure and a standout player for the Redbirds basketball program. His legacy and contributions to the university will be remembered and celebrated by Redbird fans for years to come.