Chuck Person

Chuck Person is a former professional basketball player and coach, best known for his prolific scoring during a 13-year NBA career. Nicknamed "The Rifleman" for his sharpshooting prowess, he was the 1986 fourth overall pick by the Indiana Pacers and won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 1987. Following his playing career, Person served as an assistant coach for several NBA teams before a federal conviction related to the 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball corruption scandal significantly altered his legacy.

Early life and college career

Born in Brantley, Alabama, Person starred at Brantley High School before committing to play for Sonny Smith at Auburn University. At Auburn, he developed into one of the SEC's premier players, earning SEC Player of the Year honors and Consensus second-team All-American status in 1986 after leading the Auburn Tigers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history. His standout collegiate career cemented his status as a top prospect for the 1986 NBA draft.

NBA playing career

Selected fourth overall by the Indiana Pacers in 1986, Person immediately made an impact, averaging 18.8 points per game and capturing the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He formed a potent scoring duo with Reggie Miller and became a fan favorite at Market Square Arena for his clutch shooting and competitive fire. After six seasons with the Pacers, Person was traded to the Minnota Timberwolves in 1992, where he continued as a primary offensive option. He later played a key veteran role for the San Antonio Spurs, including during their run to the 1999 NBA Finals, and had brief stints with the Charlotte Hornets and Seattle SuperSonics before retiring in 2000.

Coaching career

Person transitioned to coaching shortly after his playing career ended, beginning as an assistant for his alma mater, the Auburn Tigers, under coach Jeff Lebo. He moved to the NBA in 2009, serving as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers under Phil Jackson, where he earned a championship ring in 2010. Subsequent assistant coaching roles followed with the Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic, where he was known for his work with frontcourt players.

Legal issues and conviction

In 2017, Person was arrested as part of the wide-ranging 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball corruption scandal investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was indicted on charges of bribery and fraud for accepting approximately $91,500 in bribes from a financial advisor in exchange for steering Auburn University basketball players to use the advisor's services upon turning professional. In 2019, he was found guilty on multiple counts of conspiracy to commit bribery in a federal trial in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and probation, avoiding prison time due to health issues.

Personal life

Person is the older brother of former NBA player Wesley Person. His nephew, Wesley Person Jr., also played college basketball at Auburn University. Following his legal troubles, Person has maintained a relatively low public profile. His number 45 jersey was retired by Auburn University in recognition of his outstanding collegiate career.

Category:American basketball players Category:Auburn Tigers men's basketball players Category:Indiana Pacers players