Tag Archives: ABA

Roger Brown: ‘Now is Now,’ 1971

Sharman continued, “Roger Brown is the closest thing to Elgin Baylor when Elgin was at his peak. The way he handles the ball and shoots, his great ability changing directions and speed. One on one, he’s as good as there is.”

Rick Barry: Why I Want Out of the ABA, 1970

One day, I hope all this will be settled in court. Maybe the merger will help. Maybe then Franklin can do something to get me back where I belong. Meanwhile, all I can do is hope—one, that my knee holds up and, two, that I can go back home.  

Artis Gilmore: Million-Dollar Baby on Display, 1972

Artis is neither Kareem Abdul-Jabbar nor Bill Russell. He is simply Artis Gilmore, a big, talented, quiet, young man, who, by the time this basketball season is over, will have made his presence felt not by comparison, but by his own accomplishments. 

James Silas: Captain Late, 1981

Silas is unassuming and never has let the publicity drain his enthusiasm for his profession. Though he exhibits a confident gait, cockiness never ruled his dealings with fans or the news media. 

John Brisker: ‘Super Rook’ and His Smashing Left Hook, 1970

So, Brisker has chosen to live by the left hook. “A couple of times it’s helped to get some breathing room when I belted guys,” he explains. “Some I try to shake off my back, but mostly, I get into fights by hustling for the ball, being aggressive. But, really, I have to quit the scuffling.”

Bill Sharman’s Longest Season, 1975

Sharman has had a full, rich life, spiced by stardom in two sports, by team championships and individual honors. But it has not been a perfect life, an idyllic life.