He doesn’t get to Franklin often, but when he does, Jon McGlocklin finds there’s no place a like home.
Born and raised in Franklin, he is a Franklin product through and through.
He honed his basketball skills on dirt courts around town. His haunts were local gyms and malt shops. He played Little League and other sports and was well-known in the community for this rare athletic gifts.
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Especially on the basketball court.
A 1961 graduate of Franklin High School, McGlocklin starred for the Grizzly Cubs for four seasons. Recruited by legendary Indiana University coach Branch McCracken, he was a three-year letterwinner for the Hoosiers and went on to become a third-round draft pick of the NBA’s Cincinnati Royals.
By the time his 11-year professional career ended in 1976, McGlocklin’s resume included an NBA All-Star nod, an NBA championship, 9,119 career points and the distinction of being the first player in Milwaukee Bucks’ history to have his jersey (No. 14) retired.
He also was the first player the franchise ever signed.
But that wasn’t all.
McGlocklin went on to co-found a multimillion-dollar childhood cancer charity, co-found a successful business and has, since 1976, been a TV commentator for the Bucks.
Although he found fame and fortune outside of Franklin, and has resided just outside Milwaukee for 47 years, his heart has always been, well, in Franklin.
On Aug. 20, he’ll return to his hometown to be honored, along with five other distinguished graduates, as inaugural inductees into the Franklin Community High School Alumni Hall of Fame. The new hall recognizes Franklin graduates for excellence in all walks of life, ranging from athletics to business to teaching to politics.
“I am very honored to be selected as one of the initial individuals into the Franklin Community High School Alumni Hall of Fame,” said McGlocklin, known in Wisconsin as “The Original Buck” and “Jonny Mac.” He and Oscar Robertson comprised the starting backcourt on the Bucks’ 1971 NBA championship team.
“I have had the privilege and blessing to travel the world in my profession and am proud to say I have taken my hometown high school with me in my heart where ever I have traveled,” McGlocklin said.
Joining McGlocklin in the induction class of 2015 are:
Roger Branigin, who served as Indiana Governor from 1965 to 1969. The state’s 42nd chief executive, he was also a World War II veteran.
He graduated from Franklin in 1919.
George Crowe, who was selected Indiana’s first Mr. Basketball in 1939. Also a World War II veteran, he was a versatile athlete who played professionally in black basketball and baseball leagues before enjoying a nine-year career in Major League Baseball. He was an All-Star in 1958
He graduated in 1939.
Robert “Fuzzy” Vandivier, who was the star of the Franklin “Wonder Five” that won three straight state basketball championships in 1920, ‘21 and ‘22. He went on to become a successful coach at Franklin and also served as its athletics director.
He graduated in 1922.
Rob Davis, who is vice president and chief financial officer of Merck & Co., one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms.
He is a 1985 graduate.
Jane Hughey, who has taught in Franklin schools for 47 years. She teaches English at Franklin Community Middle School.
She is a 1965 graduate.
Each of the 2015 inductees will be recognized during a halftime ceremony of Franklin’s Aug. 21 varsity football game against visiting Columbus North.
