57 years ago, the American Basketball Association (ABA) was formed
Published: Jan. 31, 2024, 10:32 p.m.
On February 1, 1967, a 10-team basketball league was formed that would change the way pro basketball was played. The American Basketball Association (ABA) brought a different kind of flash to the game by sporting a red, white, and blue ball to go along with the introduction of the three-point shot. With big names such as Julius Erving, Rick Barry, Artis Gilmore, and George Gervin, to name a few, the league was popular amongst basketball fans. The ABA lasted 9 years before merging with the National Basketball Association (NBA).
University of Kentucky basketball All-American Louie Dampier, right, met with Kentucky Colonels coach Johnny Givens after signing a one-year contract with the professional team.
Univeristy of Kentucky basketball Al-American Louie Dampier, right, met with Kentucky Colonels coach Johnny Given's after signing a one-year contract with the professional team. Given's, a former coach at New Albany, Ind. High School coached the Colonels the first 17 games of the innagural American Basketball Association season.New York Nets forward JULIUS ERVING in action while the Nets were members of the ABA (American Basketball Association). The Nets later became part of the NBA after the ABA's final season in 1976. Erving won three ABA most valuable player awards.Cincinnati Royals guard Dick Van Arsdale (5) in action against the Los Angeles Lakers.Kentucky Colonels forward (44) Dan Issel in action during the 1973 American Basketball Association season. The ABA played from 1967-1976.Oakland Oaks guard Rick Barry (24) in action during the1968 season.Artis Gilmore of the Kentucky Colonels block a shot by Denver Nuggets Dan Issel in the former American Basketball Association.Denver Nuggets guard Ralph Simpson (44) against the Indiana Pacers during an ABA game.Kentucky Colonels center Artis Gilmore (53) during an ABA game.Jubilant fans hold fingers aloft signaling, \"We're No.1\" at Freedom Hall after Artis Gilmore, Wil Jones and the other Kentucky Colonels beat the Indiana Pacers to win the 1975 American Basketball Association championship.Kentucky Colonels forward (44) Dan Issel in action during the 1973 American Basketball Association season. The ABA played from 1967-1976.American Basketball Association-themed merchandise is seen at the Lana Sports warehouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sale proceeds from merchandise go to the Dropping Dimes Foundation, a non-profit that advocates for former American Basketball Association players facing hard times.
Dropping Dimes Co Founder Scott Tarter Wednesday July 13 2022 At Lana Sports In Indianapolis Ind American Basketball Association Aba LeaguA view of the numerous memorabilia from Art Becker's career in Arizona State and the American Basketball Association at his home in Tempe, Ariz.
Art BeckeArt Becker recounts his days in the American Basketball Association at his home in Tempe, Ariz.
Art BeckeA signed American Basketball Association-themed basketball is seen at the Lana Sports warehouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sale proceeds from merchandise go to the Dropping Dimes Foundation, a non-profit that advocates for former American Basketball Association players facing hard times.
Dropping Dimes Co Founder Scott Tarter Wednesday July 13 2022 At Lana Sports In Indianapolis Ind American Basketball Association Aba LeaguA photo of American Basketball Association players helping an opponent up during a game hangs on the wall, signed by several players, at the Lana Sports warehouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. \"That's always been a picture that players sign when they come in here and it sort of exemplifies how we feel about the ABA players, they're always looking out for each other,\" Scott Tarter said, CEO of the Dropping Dimes Foundation.
Dropping Dimes Co Founder Scott Tarter Wednesday July 13 2022 At Lana Sports In Indianapolis Ind American Basketball Association Aba Leagu
