IMPORTANT NOTE: Recently, people have e-mailed me a lot of questions regarding the new ABA 2000 basketball league. A lot of you want to try out for the league, collect memorabilia, etc. This is the wrong place to ask those questions. This web site has nothing to do with the ABA 2000 league, and is in no way affiliated with that league.
The subject of this web site is only the original ABA that existed from 1967 to 1976. And all of the questions answered below relate to the original ABA. If you have questions about the new ABA 2000 (rosters, tryouts, team records and info, etc.), your best bet is to contact the new league directly from http://www.abalive.com.
Also, please do not write in asking to purchase the ABA uniforms and warmups found on this web site. All of the uniforms pictured on here are actual game-worn ABA jerseys from the 1960's and 1970's held by private collectors. Most if not all of these collectors have spent literally decades searching for and acquiring these pieces (at very high prices), because of their passion for the ABA. These individuals are simply not interested in selling their prize possessions to strangers through the internet.
1.0 General Questions
1.1 Where can I buy an ABA-style red, white and blue basketball? (updated July 2003)
1.2 Where can I find replica ABA uniforms? (updated July 2003)
1.3 Where can I find other ABA merchandise items, like T-Shirts, hats, etc.? (updated July 2003)
1.4 Where can I find ORIGINAL/VINTAGE ABA memorabilia?
1.5 Are there any ABA games currently available on videotape?
1.6 Where can I find out more about the ABA?
1.7 When and why did the ABA exist?
1.8 Was the ABA as good as the NBA?
1.9 Did ABA teams ever play NBA teams?
1.10 How did ABA play differ from NBA play?
2.0 The ABA Ball and Rules
2.1 Why did the ABA use the red, white and blue ball?
2.2 How did ABA rules differ from NBA rules?
3.0 ABA Players and Coaches
3.1 Who were the best ABA players?
3.2 Who were the best ABA coaches?
4.0 ABA Teams
4.1 Where were ABA teams located?
4.2 What were "regional" franchises, and which teams in the ABA fit this definition?
4.3 Which teams won ABA Championships in which years?
4.4 Which ABA teams were perpetually successful?
4.5 Which ABA teams were perpetually terrible?
1.1 Where can I buy an ABA-style red, white and blue basketball?
Many ABA fans write me asking about the availability of red, white and blue basketballs (for actual playing use).
Probably the best overall current source of red, white and blue basketballs is eBay. The larger sporting goods stores around the country do not consistently carry red, white and blue basketballs made by any manufacturer (although in recent years, Nike, Wilson, and various other well-known manufacturers have indeed produced some red, white and blue basketballs). However, if you go to eBay and do a search based on "red white blue basketball" or "ABA basketball," you are likely to find a few of the recently-made balls at a reasonable price.
As of late 2002, R.A.M. Sports, Inc. (of Denver, CO) is no longer making their "Classic Sport -- All-Star Composite 777" red, white and blue balls. So this source has essentially dried up, unless you are lucky enough to see one in a sporting goods store.
A group of former ABA Pacers (including Bob Netolicky and Dick Tinkham) has also marketed red, white and blue basketballs to the public. They are nice balls, and reasonably priced at around $39 each. The balls are called "Money Balls" and have an "MBA" logo in the same style as the old ABA logo. I understand that currently, the balls are out of stock. When they become available again, I will post the details right here.
As of December 5, 1998, I am informed that Hunter's Vault does have a few red, white and blue Indiana Pacers Autographed Championship Basketballs available. Check the Hunter's Vault web site for more information.
1.2 Where can I find replica ABA jerseys?
As noted above, please do not write in asking to purchase the uniforms and warmups found on this web site. All of the uniforms pictured on here are actual game-worn ABA jerseys from the 1960's and 1970's held by private collectors. Most if not all of these collectors have spent literally decades searching for and acquiring these pieces (at very high prices), because of their passion for the ABA. These individuals are simply not interested in selling their prize possessions to strangers through the internet.
However, with the recent "retro" craze, some ABA replica "throwback" uniforms and warmups are now being "mass-marketed" to the public.
The ones made by Reebok are cheap but nothing like the original versions actually used in the ABA. They are probably not worth your time (check them out on eBay if you're curious - just type in "Reebok" and "ABA").
Mitchell & Ness is the real player here. Mitchell & Ness has created several limited edition, high-quality replicas of certain ABA jerseys:
1971-72 Virginia Squires home (#32, Erving)
1972-73 Indiana Pacers home (#30, McGinnis)
1972-73 Indiana Pacers road (#30, McGinnis)
1975-76 New York Nets home (#32, Erving)
1975-76 New York Nets road (#32, Erving)
1975-76 Spirits of St. Louis road (#13, Malone)
1975-76 Spirits of St. Louis home (# 24, Barnes)
There are two additional jerseys made by Mitchell & Ness that are described as NBA jerseys, but could easily be ABA jerseys as well:
1976-77 Denver Nuggets road (#33, Thompson)
1979-79 San Antonio Spurs road (#44, Gervin)
For those of you not familiar with Mitchell & Ness, the company is based in Philadelphia and specializes in recreating (to every minute detail!) popular sports jerseys of the past. These replica jerseys are relatively high-priced, but they are virtually identical to the real thing.
Mitchell & Ness now has an official web site. However, as of 2003, the web site does not have any photos of Mitchell & Ness jerseys or any type of visible product catalog. The web site suggests that the company will take individual orders, but the on-line ordering process is unclear to say the least.
Rather than dealing directly with Mitchell & Ness, the best way of getting ahold of their jerseys is to contact their "authorized hobby dealers." You will probably get quicker and more personalized service using these dealers. They are listed on the Mitchell & Ness site.
Among those dealers, I highly recommend Distant Replays (a store that specializes in nostalgic sports uniforms, T-shirts, etc.). Andy Hyman is the owner and he established his first "old-school" sports store in 1998 in Atlanta (long before the current throwback craze). Andy took his store on-line in 1999, and he always seems responsive and friendly to ABA fans.
As for Distant Replays' stock of Mitchell & Ness ABA replica jerseys, Andy reports that: "These jerseys are made of mesh or doubleknit polyester, depending on what the team wore that particular year. The Squires jersey is a Dr. J. home (white), doubleknit polyester. It says "SQUIRES" across the front, with #32 and "Erving" on the back -- all in sewn-on tackle twill lettering. It costs $225 and is available in size 46 (L), 48 (XL), 52 (XXL). We also can get the1975-76 Dr. J Nets home or road ($250) and the 1979 George Gervin Spurs road ($250). People should e-mail us to see whether we have any of these jerseys currently in stock. If not, we can order them. Special orders may take 4 to 6 weeks. We may be getting additional ABA authentic replicas, so if any of you are looking for a certain player or team (not too obscure), please e-mail us or call us toll free 1-888-241-8807 -- if we have tremendous demand for an item, we might be able to have it made sooner."
As always, the Mitchell & Ness jerseys may also be found on eBay, but as with any $250+ item, poorly made fakes have started to float around. Several web site visitors have written to me complaining of obvious fakes and poor quality jerseys purchased on eBay, even though the jerseys had been advertised as Mitchell & Ness "originals." So as always with eBay, let the buyer beware.
1.3 Where can I find other ABA merchandise items, like T-Shirts, hats, etc.?
Again, with the recent "throwback" craze, ABA t-shirts and hats have become widely available and popular.
Distant Replays (mentioned above) has most of the ABA hats and shirts. Distant Replays has T-shirts for most of the former ABA teams (and even multiple logos for each team!). The price is generally $22 for each shirt. The complete list of ABA T-shirts available (and some photos of ABA shirts) may be found at the Distant Replays web address: http://www.distantreplays.com. You can also e-mail Distant Replays at this address.
Over the years, people have sent me various copies of catalogs and flyers, all advertising the availability of ABA clothing. At this point I would say that aside from Distant Replays, your best bet for seeing the variety of shirts and hats out there is to search eBay for other dealers and sources (keeping in mind that on-line auction scene is always a question mark when it comes to quality and properly licensed material).
The recently-aired HBO Documentary, "Long Shots: The Life and Times of the American Basketball Association," is now available on home video. Click here for official information from HBO Home Video.
Vince Cazzetta (the Pipers' first year coach) and Ray Goss (noted Pittsburgh broadcaster) have narrated a highlight film of the inaugural ABA Championship Series between the Pittsburgh Pipers and the New Orleans Buccaneers. The video is approximately 35 minutes long and is available from Promark Sports Associates at 1-800-641-8142. The cost is $19.95 plus shipping.
In the last several years, multitudes of nice-looking ABA team patches have shown up on eBay. They are found by themselves, and also on hats. Keep in mind that many of these patches cannot possibly be vintage ABA items (nobody would have made New Jersey Americans and Anaheim Amigos patches when those teams existed in 1967 -- the market was, shall we say, "limited" in nature).
To my knowledge, no one has ever reprinted any ABA pennants or buttons. This could always change due to the increasing "retro" popularity of the ABA.
1.4 Where can I find ORIGINAL/VINTAGE ABA memorabilia?
There is no central source of ABA memorabilia (I wish I knew of one!). ABA material is scarce and popular with collectors, so it gets expensive. ABA items often turn up in eBay auctions.
If you live in a former ABA city, check out the local sports card shops (especially the ones that stock publications). Programs turn up frequently and are still relatively inexpensive if you find them this way. Programs also can turn up for sale in major sports collectibles publications (like Sports Collector's Digest). However, they can be incredibly expensive if you buy them from certain dealers. A good price for a later ABA program is $10-20. Early ABA programs will generally sell for $40-50, depending on the team.
If you're interested in original Kentucky Colonels memorabilia, get in touch with Lloyd "Pinky" Gardner. Lloyd is the Colonels' former trainer. During his tenure with Kentucky, he saved all kinds of Colonels memorabilia, including game worn uniforms and warmups, practice jerseys, game action 8 x 10 photos, pennants, press guides, programs, ticket stubs, and T-shirts. He also has memorabilia from various other ABA teams. Lloyd's e-mail address is:
ABA pennants are tough to come by (from the above sources). They have not been reprinted since the merger. In my experience, ABA pennants sell for around 50 to 60 dollars, depending on the particular team. Some early ABA pennants are incredibly rare.
I get a lot of e-mails regarding the availability of REAL ABA balls. Unfortunately, they just don't turn up very often. And when they do, they are prohibitively expensive. Real leather ABA balls were made by Rawlings and they can be dated (and authenticated) by the Commissioner's signature under the ABA logo. Several authentic ABA Balls were auctioned off at the ABA Reunion in August 1997 --a mint Rawlings ABA ball with Dave DeBusschere's signature (still in the original box!) went for $2,500. Some less-than-mint balls (game-used) went for just over $1,000. In Al Hunter's recent ABA Auction, a mint Dave DeBusschere ball went for approximately $3,000.
Game-worn ABA uniforms are out there, but like real ABA balls, they're incredibly expensive. Expect to pay upwards of $700-$800 for any game-used ABA uniform. Unfortunately there is no single location to purchase ABA game-used uniforms.
1.5 Are there any ABA games currently available on videotape?
The recently-aired HBO Documentary, Long Shots: The Life and Times of the American Basketball Association, is now available on home video. Click here for official information from HBO Home Video.
Vince Cazzetta (the Pipers' first year coach) and Ray Goss (noted Pittsburgh broadcaster) have narrated a highlight film of the inaugural ABA Championship Series between the Pittsburgh Pipers and the New Orleans Buccaneers. The video is approximately 35 minutes long and is available from Promark Sports Associates at 1-800-641-8142. The cost is $19.95 plus shipping.
There are a few game tapes floating around out there if you look in the right places. There is a fair quality tape of the second half of Game 1 of the 1976 ABA Championship (Nets at Nuggets). Also, there is a tape of highlights from the 1968 and 1970 ABA Championship Series (New Orleans Buccaneers vs. Pittsburgh Pipers and Indiana Pacers vs. Los Angeles Stars), plus the First, Fourth, and Fifth ABA All-Star games. A promotional film from the 1971-72 Virginia Squires has survived (ESPN always uses this).
Finally, the Classic Sports Network occasionally plays three ABA classics: (1) the entire 1976 ABA All-Star Game (Nuggets vs. ABA All-Stars), including the slam dunk contest from that game; (2) the second half of Game 1 of the 1976 ABA Championship (Nets at Nuggets), including highlights from Game 6 of that series; and (3) an April 3, 1976 contest in Louisville between the Colonels and the Spirits of St. Louis (with Bob Costas and Arlene Weltman announcing). To check the Classic Sports Network schedule, you can go to the Classic Sports Network Home Page.
1.6 Where can I find out more about the ABA?
By far the best resource on the ABA is the book Loose Balls by Terry Pluto. You can still find this book in most major bookstores. Loose Balls is basically a compilation of interviews with ABA movers and shakers (players, owners, coaches, general managers, referees, and reporters). The book devotes a chapter to just about every ABA team. It has black and white versions of pretty much every ABA logo. A few black and white photos are included. Loose Balls is a great read and I recommend it highly.
The Official NBA Basketball Encyclopedia devotes an entire chapter to the ABA. The text, however, is almost entirely borrowed from Terry Pluto's Loose Balls. On the bright side, complete divisional standings plus playoff results are included for each ABA season. Plus, statistics for all ABA players can be found in the all-time directory of players. If you want complete statistics for all players who ever played in the ABA, this is the book you should buy.
Other, older books are still out there. I love Bob Ryan's book The Pro Game. It's filled with full-color ABA action photos. The text is light on ABA material, though. Also, check the library for Confessions of a Basketball Gypsy --The Rick Barry story (by Barry and Bill Libby), Caught in the Pivot (by Carolina Cougars coach Tom Meschery), Foul -- The Connie Hawkins Story (by Dave Wolf), The Legend of Dr. J (by Marty Bell), and Parting Shots (by Dan Issel).
Finally, watch for the new ABA documentary on HBO--it's an hour long and has received rave reviews from the press. It premiered on HBO on June 9, 1997, and was recently released on home video. From what I understand, the price is $14.99. Check out your local video store. If you look carefully in the background during the interviews, you will see some of Jon Singer's uniforms and pennants, which he donated to the producers of the show. Many of the uniforms and pennants on this page were contributed by Jon.
1.7 When and why did the ABA exist?
The ABA lasted nine full seasons. The first ABA season was 1967-68. The last ABA season was 1975-76. For the 1976-77 season, four ABA teams joined the NBA: the Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, and New York Nets.
The ABA was formed because the NBA only had 10 teams in its 1966-67 season. In the mid-1960's, the NBA was very slow to expand, and the price for an NBA expansion team was high for the time. During this time period, a number of growing cities were capable of supporting professional basketball, including Louisville, Denver, Indianapolis, and Houston. Businessmen in these cities got together and decided not to wait for the NBA to expand. They felt that a new basketball league could flourish in new markets and eventually force a merger with the NBA.
1.8 Was the ABA as good as the NBA?
Certainly not at first, although many early ABA players could easily have played in the NBA (Doug Moe, Roger Brown, Connie Hawkins, Larry Brown, and Mel Daniels come to mind). Near the end of the ABA's existence, however, ABA teams were generally just as good (if not better) than NBA teams. The reason for this was that the ABA never had any qualms about signing players before they had finished their college careers. Therefore, the ABA was able to sign such players as George McGinnis (Indiana), Spencer Haywood (Denver), Ralph Simpson (Denver), Julius Erving (Virginia), and Maurice Lucas (St. Louis-Kentucky). In the mid-1970's, the overall talent in the ABA was probably younger and better than the NBA. In the first NBA All-Star game after the ABA folded, 10 out of the 24 players were former ABA players and an ABA player (Julius Erving) won the MVP award.
1.9 Did ABA teams ever play NBA teams?
Yes, but only in exhibition season games. ABA vs. NBA exhibition games were first played in 1971. They continued through 1975. During the first two years of exhibition play, the NBA dominated: the NBA won 42 games, and the ABA won only 17. During each of the next three years, the ABA won the battle, 15-10, 16-7, and finally 31-17 in 1975. Overall the ABA won the rivalry, 79-76.
The Nets and the Knicks had a healthy exhibition rivalry in New York. Interestingly, the Boston Celtics always had trouble beating ABA teams. Over the years, Boston continually lost games to the Nets, the Cougars, and the Nuggets.
During the years when the Milwaukee Bucks had Lew Alcindor and won the NBA Championship, they played a number of ABA teams in exhibition games, including the Virginia Squires, the Pittsburgh Condors, the Dallas Chaparrals, the Denver Rockets, the Utah Stars, the Indiana Pacers, and the Kentucky Colonels. These various ABA teams wanted their fans to view the ABA as "major league," and were willing to pay the Bucks serious money to play in ABA arenas.
1.10 How did ABA play differ from NBA play?
Basketball purists will tell you that the ABA played a more "unscripted" style of basketball. The ABA displayed more running, wide open offenses with less physical defenses. In comparison, the NBA used the more traditional pick and roll, cut and screen, grab and hold style of play. The lanes in the ABA tended to be less clogged because defenses had to respect the threat of the 3-point basket. Shorter guards, like Larry Brown and Mack Calvin, flourished in the ABA's wide open game.
2.1 Why did the ABA use the red, white and blue ball?
The first ABA Commissioner--George Mikan--came up with the idea of the red, white and blue ball. The purpose of the ball was to give the American Basketball Association a "patriotic" and unique trademark that would, coincidentally, show up well on television. ABA fans and kids loved the ball, and still love it today. NBA people generally made fun of the ball, including Alex Hannum (coach of the Philadelphia 76ers), who said that it belonged on the nose of a seal. Hannum subsequently coached in the ABA (Oakland Oaks, Denver Rockets) and changed his tune. The NBA currently uses the ball in its All-Star Saturday three-point shootouts because it is so distinctive. Read Loose Balls for all the specifics on the ball, if you're curious.
2.2 How did ABA rules differ from NBA rules?
One major difference was that the ABA had the three-point shot (which the ABA borrowed from the short-lived American Basketball League of the early 1960's) and the NBA did not. During its first eight years, the ABA had a 30-second shot clock, as opposed to the NBA's 24-second shot clock. And, one other interesting difference in the ABA's last season was that the ABA had no foul-out rule. When a player committed his sixth personal foul, he could stay in the game. However, subsequent fouls by that particular player resulted in two free throws plus possession of the ball for the opposing team.
3.1 Who were the best ABA players?
Julius Erving (Dr. J) (New York), Rick Barry (Oakland-Washington-New York), Connie Hawkins (Pittsburgh-Minnesota), Dan Issel (Kentucky-Denver), and George Gervin (Virginia-San Antonio) became Hall-of-Famers.
Other great players were Artis Gilmore (Kentucky), Ron Boone (Dallas and Utah), Spencer Haywood (Denver), Bobby Jones (Denver), Mel Daniels (Minnesota-Indiana-Memphis), Willie Wise (Utah-Virginia), Marvin Barnes (St. Louis), Louis Dampier (Kentucky), Roger Brown (Indiana-Memphis), Freddie Lewis (Indiana-Memphis-St. Louis), Mack Calvin (Los Angeles-Floridians-Carolina-Denver-Virginia), Moses Malone (Utah-St. Louis), Caldwell Jones (San Diego-Kentucky-St. Louis), Maurice Lucas (St. Louis-Kentucky), Billy Keller (Indiana), Billy Cunningham (Carolina), Billy Paultz (New York-San Antonio), James Silas (San Antonio), James Jones (New Orleans, Memphis & Utah), Steve Jones (Oakland-New Orleans-Memphis-Denver-St. Louis), Larry Jones (Denver-The Floridians), Glen Combs (Dallas-Utah, Charlie Scott (Virginia), Donnie Freeman (Minnesota-Miami-Dallas-Utah), Brian Taylor (New York), John Williamson (New York), George McGinnis (Indiana), Darnell Hillman (Indiana), Warren Armstrong/Jabali (Oakland-Washington-Indiana-The Floridians-Denver-San Diego), Zelmo Beaty (Utah), Swen Nater (San Antonio), John Brisker (Pittsburgh), Byron Beck (Denver), Red Robbins (New Orleans-Utah-San Diego-Kentucky-Virginia), Darel Carrier (Kentucky), George Carter (Virginia-New York-Memphis), Bill Melchionni (New York), Bob Netolicky (Indiana-San Antonio-Dallas), Wendell Ladner (New Orleans-Memphis-Kentucky-New York) & Don Buse (Indiana).
The only players with the longevity (and talent) to play through all nine years of the ABA were Byron Beck, Louis Dampier, and Freddie Lewis.
3.2 Who were the best ABA Coaches?
Many current or recent NBA coaches got their start in the ABA. Examples are Larry Brown (Carolina-Denver), Kevin Loughery (New York), K.C. Jones (San Diego), Hubie Brown (Kentucky), Doug Moe (Caroline-Denver), Tom Nissalke (Utah), and Bob Bass (Denver-Memphis-San Antonio).
The other great ABA coaches were Babe McCarthy (New Orleans-Memphis-Kentucky), Bill Sharman (Los Angeles-Utah) (who won titles in both the ABA and the NBA--with the Utah Stars and the L.A. Lakers), Slick Leonard (Indiana), Lou Carnesecca (New York), Alex Hannum (Oakland-Denver) (who also won titles in both the ABA and the NBA--with the Oakland Oaks and the Philadelphia 76ers), Joe Mullaney (Utah-Kentucky-St. Louis-Baltimore), and Al Bianchi (Washington-Virginia).
4.1 Where were ABA teams located?
Pretty much everywhere. However, the only locations where the ABA directly competed with NBA teams were Oakland (1967-69), Los Angeles (1968-1970) and New York (1968-1976).
ABA teams came and went in Anaheim, Baltimore, North Carolina (Greensboro, Raleigh, and Charlotte), Dallas, Denver, Florida (Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville), Houston, Indianapolis, Louisville (KY), Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Minneapolis, Teaneck (NJ), New Orleans, Long Island (NY), Oakland, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego, Texas (Ft. Worth, Dallas, Lubbock), Virginia (Roanoke, Norfolk, and Richmond), and Washington D.C.
4.2 What were "regional" franchises, and which teams in the ABA fit this definition?
Regional franchises were teams that played in several different locations within a state. The ABA had a few of these experimental teams, namely the Carolina Cougars, the Floridians, and the Virginia Squires.
Carolina split its games between arenas in Greensboro, Raleigh, and Charlotte. The Floridians played most of their games in Miami, but also played occasionally in Tampa and Jacksonville. Virginia split home games between arenas in Norfolk, Roanoke, and Richmond. Dallas tried the regional concept briefly in 1970-71, becoming the "Texas" Chaparrals for that year only.
In later years, the Kentucky Colonels played many home games in Cincinnati.
4.3 Which teams won ABA Championships in which years?
1967-68: Pittsburgh Pipers
1968-69: Oakland Oaks
1969-70: Indiana Pacers
1970-71: Utah Stars
1971-72: Indiana Pacers
1972-73: Indiana Pacers
1973-74: New York Nets
1974-75: Kentucky Colonels
1975-76: New York Nets
4.4 Which ABA teams were perpetually successful?
Generally, Kentucky, Indiana, New York, Denver and San Antonio performed well over the years at the gate and on the court.
4.5 Which ABA teams were perpetually terrible?
The most horror stories (about horrendous attendance and play) came out of Memphis, Houston, and Pittsburgh. In the early years, Houston averaged crowds of about 200 per game.
