John Brown was a 1973 graduate of the University of Missouri who was an All-American, Olympian, and a first-round selection in the NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He made the all-NBA Rookie team his first year and was a multi-year starter for the Hawks. He eventually finished his career playing three years in the top Italian League. John grew up in Dixon, a small Missouri town where he led his undefeated high school team to a state championship. He was recruited to Mizzou by legendary coach Norm Stewart, who helped John become a 1973 College All-American. He was a starter on the 1972 Olympic team before a serious ankle injury prevented him from playing with the team in Munich. He was drafted by the Hawks by Coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, who had lost John on the recruiting trail while Cotton was the coach at Kansas State University. He later played for another legendary coach, Hubie Brown, who replaced Cotton at Atlanta.
John had his jersey number, 50, retired at Mizzou in 2019, and it is now a permanent fixture in the rafters at Mizzou Arena. After retiring from professional basketball, John continued playing the game he loves in age-division AAU tournaments, where he himself became a legend!
John also has been an extremely successful businessman. He started his own construction company in Rolla, Mo., and he has grown it into one of the largest apartment and condominium builders, owners, and administrators in the region.
In the exclusive podcast with Dr. Joe Brickner on Joe’s “Building with Brick” podcast, John shares his story and the highlights of his successful basketball and business career. The four-part series gives you a glimpse into the life of a successful basketball player who is even a better person.
John graciously wrote the Foreword to Dr. Brickner’s book, “So, You want to be a Coach…” John and Joe were long-time AAU teammates after John’s pro career ended, and share a strong belief in the right way to play the game, as well as the right way to live your life.
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