Don Buse (born August 10, 1950) is a former professional basketball player from Huntingburg, Indiana, who starred at the University of Evansville before playing 13 seasons in the ABA and NBA.

Buse played for the Evansville Purple Aces from 1969 to 1972 and became one of the program’s most accomplished players. He was later inducted into the University of Evansville Athletics Hall of Fame, and his No. 44 jersey was retired by the university.

Professional career

Buse began his professional career with the Indiana Pacers in 1972 and was a member of the Pacers’ 1973 ABA championship team. Known primarily for his defense and playmaking, Buse became one of professional basketball’s top guards during the 1970s.

During the 1975–76 season, he led the ABA in both assists and steals and was selected to the ABA All-Star Game. After the ABA-NBA merger, Buse led the NBA in both categories the following season and was selected to the 1977 NBA All-Star Game.

Buse earned All-Defensive Team honors for six consecutive seasons and played for the Pacers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers and Kansas City Kings before retiring in 1985.

He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.