Hall of Fame
Power forward/center
All-Tournament Team WCAC Tournament, 1965
First team All-WCAC, 1965-1966
Second team All-Northern California, 1965
Second team All-Coast, 1965
First team All-Northern California, 1966
First team All-Coast, 1966
USF Career Years: 1963–1966
Birthdate: March 12, 1944
Hometown: Livermore, CA
High School: Livermore High School
Erwin Mueller was born on March 12, 1944 in Livermore, CA and attended Livermore High School where he played basketball. Mueller played both forward and center on the basketball team from 1963 to 1966. Patrolling the paint, he earned the nickname “Mr. Inside” due to his willingness to challenge other players at the rim. His signature basket was described as a “hoop-rattling stuffer” he was also known for his turn-around lay-ins. During his USF career, he made All-Coast, All-Conference and was an All-American while averaging 12.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 50.2 FG%, 58.2 FT%, and 1020 points.
In 1996, he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the Second Round (20th pick overall) of the NBA Draft. His first year, he averaged 12.7 PPG and earned NBA All-Rookie Team honors. Mid-way through his second season with Chicago, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Jim Barnes and a draft pick. Later that year, he was traded back to the Bulls by the Lakers in exchange for Keith Erickson. During his remaining professional career, he would play for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA, and in the ABA for the Virginia Squires and the Memphis Tams. His career points totaled 3287 (7.4 PPG) and 2100 rebounds (4.7 RPG).
After retirement from the NBA, he worked as a draftsman developing irrigation systems.
