Steve Bouchie, the 1979 Indiana Mr. Basketball, suffered from a heart attack over the Fourth of July weekend and has passed away this Sunday afternoon. He was 59 at the time of his death.
Steve was an exceptional player throughout his career and was recognized early for his play by being named the 1979 Indiana Mr. Basketball. His senior year he averaged close to 30 points per game with 15 rebounds and was a Parade Magazine All-American. He led the Hatchet’s to a two semi-state appearances along with being the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,727 points and 842 rebounds.
He was recruited by head coach Bob Knight to play for the Hoosiers. In 1981, he was recognized as a player in the 1981 National Championship team. He scored 560 points over his career at Indiana and was drafted to the Detroit Pistons in 1983 in the 4th round, 78th pick. He played in Italy as well before a hand injury ended his professional career. He was acknowledged for this basketball career with entrance into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Steve and his wife Lisa had three children: Carey, Corey and Bryan.
Bouchie’s son, Bryan, was a forward for Washington who played for the 2005 state champion team. He graduated and played for Valparaiso University and the University of Evansville in the late 2000’s. He passed in 2018.
Bouchie was the first of Washington, Indiana’s Indiana Mr. Basketball winners with the Zeller brothers being the next three.
Cover Photo: Indiana University Archives
For the two photographs of Steve Bouchie in IU uniform at the top of the page please change the citation from “Indiana University” to “Indiana University Archives”.
Thank you,
Bradley D. Cook
Curator of Photographs
Indiana University Archives