Joe Roberts made an indelible mark on Ohio basketball history as both a player and coach. A standout at Columbus East High School, Roberts went on to become a key figure in one of college basketball's most celebrated teams at Ohio State University.

As senior co-captain of Ohio State's 1960 NCAA Championship team, Roberts played alongside future basketball legends Jerry Lucas, John Havlicek, and Bob Knight. During his three years as a letterwinner and starter under head coach Fred Taylor from 1958-60, he averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds over 72 career games. His contributions were crucial in the championship run, scoring 19 points with nine rebounds in the regional final and adding 10 points and five rebounds in the title game victory over Cal-Berkeley.

Selected in the third round of the NBA Draft by the Syracuse Nationals, Roberts played three seasons in the NBA, making the playoffs each year. He led the league in games played (80) during the 1961 season. After his NBA career, he became player/manager of the Columbus Comets in the North American Basketball League for the 1966-67 season, then played one season with the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA's inaugural year. His professional career totals included 1,255 points, 1,075 rebounds, and 123 assists.

Roberts transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant at Western Michigan and Iowa before joining the NBA's Golden State Warriors. His coaching career peaked when he led the Warriors to their title-clinching victory in the 1975 NBA Finals against the Washington Bullets after head coach Al Attles was ejected. He later spent two seasons as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers (1989-1991).

After basketball, Roberts worked as Recreation Director at the Juvenile Justice Center for seven years before retiring. He was married to his high school sweetheart Celia for 65 years, whom he met at Columbus East High School. They had three daughters. Roberts passed away on October 10, 2022 at age 86.