Greater Columbus Basketball Legend Association
2013 GCBLA INDUCTEE
COLUMBUS, OHIO
Category: PLAYER
Recognition
Mel graduated from Columbus East High School in 1958. At guard, Nowell was a high school star whose outside shooting and one-on-one skills were enough to rate him the #2 player in Ohio. Fielding numerous scholarship offers, Mel chose Ohio State where he played under Hall of Fame coach Fred Taylor and his shooting was key in OSU’s run to the 1960 NCAA title where he was named to the All-Tournament team. Nowell helped OSU reach the national title game in ‘61 and ‘62. His professional career path saw him drafted in 1962 in the 12th round (90th pick) by the NBA’s Chicago Zephyrs. He later played for the Wilkes-Barre Barons (EPBL) and then with the New Jersey Americans (ABA).
Career Highlights
- Mel graduated from Columbus East High School in 1958.
- At guard, Nowell was a high school star whose outside shooting and one-on-one skills were enough to rate him the #2 player in Ohio.
- Mel chose Ohio State where he played under Hall of Fame coach Fred Taylor and his shooting was key in OSU’s run to the 1960 NCAA title where he was named to the All-Tournament team.
- Nowell helped OSU reach the national title game in ‘61 and ‘62.
- His professional career path saw him drafted in 1962 in the 12th round (90th pick) by the NBA’s Chicago Zephyrs.
- He later played for the Wilkes-Barre Barons (EPBL) and then with the New Jersey Americans (ABA).
MEL NOWELL
PLAYER
2013 GCBLA inductee
MEL NOWELL