Former IU basketball player and 1981 national champion Steve Bouchie died Sunday afternoon. Bouchie, 59, suffered a heart attack over the Fourth of July weekend.
Bouchie starred on the Hoosiers from 1979-83 under head coach Bob Knight, picking up three Big Ten titles during that span. In his sophomore season, Bouchie helped IU capture its fourth national title in program history.
Bouchie started 50 games over the course of his career, averaging 5.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
Before moving to Bloomington, Bouchie was the first player from Washington High School in Washington, Indiana, to earn Indiana Mr. Basketball recognition. Later, former IU basketball forward Cody Zeller, along with his brothers Luke and Tyler, would all receive the honors at Washington High School.
In high school, Bouchie netted 1,311 total points while grabbing 842 rebounds. In his senior season, Bouchie averaged 27 points and snatched 15 rebounds per game. He also scored a game record 45 points.
On top of winning Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1979, Bouchie was also listed to the Parade Magazine All-American, Derby Classic, All-Conference, All-Sectional, Regional and Semi-State teams.
“Saddened to hear that 1981 National Champion Steve Bouchie passed away today,” IU head coach Archie Miller said in a tweet. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and teammates.”
After his time at IU, Bouchie was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the fourth round of the 1983 NBA draft.
While he never ended up taking the floor in the NBA, Bouchie traveled overseas to play in Italy. He eventually suffered a hand injury that ended his career.
In 2009, Bouchie was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
Former teammate and current ESPN commentator Dan Dakich offered his condolences on social media.
“Heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Steve Bouchie," Dakich said in a tweet. "That family has endured so much. RIP Steve."
