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Normal Today
By the People, for the People
Illinois State Basketball Legend Roger Powell Sr. Remembered as One of the Greats
Powell, a four-year letter winner and three-year starter for the Redbirds from 1973-1976, led the team in scoring during the 1975-76 season.
Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:34am
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Longtime Illinois State University basketball fans are remembering one of their favorite players, Roger Powell Sr., whose legacy in college hoops lives on with his son. Powell, a four-year letter winner and three-year starter for the Redbirds from 1973-1976, led ISU in scoring during the 1975-76 season, averaging 19.2 points per game. He ranks 20th in school history with 1,306 career points and was inducted into the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame in 1998.
Why it matters
Powell's legacy as one of the greatest players in Illinois State basketball history continues to inspire the program and its fans. His son, Roger Powell Jr., also had a successful college basketball career, playing for the University of Illinois and later becoming the head men's basketball coach at Valparaiso University.
The details
Powell came to ISU as a Parade High School All-American out of Joliet Central High School. He played for coach Will Robinson, the first African American to lead an NCAA Division 1 program, and then for Robinson's successor, Gene Smithson, during his senior year. Powell's career total of 1,306 points would have been even higher if three-pointers were allowed at the time.
- Powell played at ISU from 1973 to 1976.
- He led the team in scoring during the 1975-76 season.
- Powell was inducted into the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame in 1998.
The players
Roger Powell Sr.
A four-year letter winner and three-year starter for the Illinois State Redbirds basketball team from 1973 to 1976, Powell led the team in scoring during the 1975-76 season and ranks 20th in school history with 1,306 career points. He was inducted into the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame in 1998.
Roger Powell Jr.
The son of Roger Powell Sr., Roger Powell Jr. was a standout basketball player at the University of Illinois, helping lead the Illini to the national championship game in 2005. He is now the head men's basketball coach at Valparaiso University, competing in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Will Robinson
The first African American to lead an NCAA Division 1 basketball program, Robinson was the head coach of the Illinois State Redbirds during Powell's time with the team.
Gene Smithson
The successor to Will Robinson as the head coach of the Illinois State Redbirds, Smithson coached Powell during his senior season.
What they’re saying
“I was so fortunate to have gotten to know Roger and become a good friend”
— Rickie Johnson, Redbird basketball star from the 1980s
“Great Redbird and even greater man”
— Rickie Johnson, Redbird basketball star from the 1980s
The takeaway
Roger Powell Sr.'s legacy as one of the greatest players in Illinois State basketball history continues to inspire the program and its fans, even decades after his playing days. His son, Roger Powell Jr., has followed in his footsteps, becoming a successful college basketball coach and carrying on the family's basketball tradition.
