Ben Poquette, American basketball player

Benedict Jay Poquette, born on May 7, 1955, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a familiar name to those who followed the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the late 1970s and 1980s. A retired American professional basketball player, Poquette's journey from collegiate standout to NBA journeyman offers a glimpse into the league's evolving landscape during that era. His formative years saw him excel on the hardwood, first graduating from East Lansing High School before honing his skills at Central Michigan University, setting the stage for his professional aspirations.

Stepping Onto the NBA Stage: The Draft and Early Career

Poquette's professional career officially began when he was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 1977 NBA Draft, specifically as the 36th overall pick. This marked a significant milestone, transitioning from the collegiate ranks to the demanding world of professional basketball. He made his debut with the Pistons during the 1978–79 season, gaining his first taste of NBA action.

Following his initial stint with the Pistons, Poquette’s career saw him don the jerseys of several franchises across the league. He went on to play for the Utah Jazz from 1980 to 1983, the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1984 to 1987, and concluded his NBA playing career with a brief period for the Chicago Bulls in 1987.

Defining Years with the Utah Jazz

While his NBA tenure involved multiple teams, Ben Poquette's most impactful and statistically significant seasons undoubtedly occurred during his time with the Utah Jazz. This period was particularly interesting, as the Jazz franchise itself was in a phase of significant transition. Having relocated to Salt Lake City in 1979 after five largely challenging and unsuccessful seasons in New Orleans, the team was working to establish its identity and find solid footing in its new home.

Upon Poquette's arrival, the Jazz frontcourt was notably depleted. In the two seasons prior, the team had traded away several key big men, including prominent figures like Rich Kelley, Spencer Haywood, Joe C. Meriweather, and Truck Robinson. This left a considerable void, creating an urgent need for reliable players in the paint.

Despite being somewhat undersized for a traditional NBA center at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 235 pounds, Poquette was tasked with the crucial role of filling the shoes of the departing 7-foot-tall Rich Kelley. He embraced this challenge, contributing consistently to the team over his four seasons with the franchise. While his offensive output was modest, averaging 9.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, his true value shone through on the defensive end.

Poquette excelled as a shot-blocker, demonstrating an innate ability to protect the rim. His defensive prowess led him to set multiple franchise records for the Jazz, including the most blocks in a career with the team (a remarkable 517 blocks across 321 games) and the most blocks in a single season (achieving 174 blocks during the 1980-81 campaign). These records underscore his crucial role in the Jazz's early defensive efforts.

Interestingly, his aggressive, physical style of play also led to a somewhat memorable, albeit "dubious," distinction. During that same record-setting 1980-81 season, Poquette led the entire NBA in personal fouls, committing a staggering 342 fouls. This statistic highlights the intensity and physicality he brought to every game, often pushing the boundaries of the rules in an era known for its rugged play.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ben Poquette

What position did Ben Poquette primarily play?
Ben Poquette primarily played as a center and power forward during his NBA career.
What were Ben Poquette's career highlights?
His most notable highlights include setting Utah Jazz franchise records for most career blocks (517) and most blocks in a single season (174 in 1980-81). He also notably led the NBA in personal fouls during the 1980-81 season.
Which NBA teams did Ben Poquette play for?
He played for the Detroit Pistons (1978–79), Utah Jazz (1980–83), Cleveland Cavaliers (1984–87), and Chicago Bulls (1987).
Where did Ben Poquette play college basketball?
Ben Poquette played college basketball at Central Michigan University.
What was significant about Ben Poquette's time with the Utah Jazz?
His time with the Jazz was significant because he joined the team during their early years in Salt Lake City, helping to stabilize their frontcourt after the departure of several key players. Despite being undersized for his role, he excelled defensively, particularly in shot-blocking, and became a record-holder for the franchise in that category.