ABA – From Way Downtown

Doug Moe: The Game I’ll Never Forget, 1969

Two successful free throws by Roger would give the Pacers an insurmountable four-point advantage. But he made only one, and we grabbed the rebound and called timeout with four seconds to go.

Can Connie Hawkins Find Happiness in the ABA? 1969

Can Connie Hawkins be satisfied starring in the second-best league? Can Connie Hawkins find happiness in the ABA? Asked these questions, Connie can say he’s satisfied. But is he sincere?

Chico Vaughn and The Man, 1968

Chico, the Pipers’ old pro, knows every airport in America, not to mention the motels and arenas.

Half Dollar Bill Melchionni, 1971

There is nothing fancy about Melchionni’s game. He leaves showtime ballhandling to those who must resort to it in order to build up their game, and Billy’s game is as pure as Dionne Warwick’s vocal range.

Super John Williamson: Nothing But Net, 1979

While Williamson was just one of a number of sideshows to Julius Erving’s main act during those winning seasons, he was now looked upon by his teammates as the Nets’ leader, the one to go to in clutch situations, and Williamson has proven that he thrives under those conditions.

Cliff Hagan: In the Twilight, 1970

“I’m not mean,” Hagan said. “I think ‘intensely competitive’ would be more accurate.

Kevin Joyce: Tales of Captain Kevin, 1976

Because of his consistency, it’s easy to overlook Joyce. Not one to break away for 30 to 40-point games, K.J. nevertheless is rarely out of double figures.

George Gervin: Chillin’ with The Iceman, 1988

[No intro needed for George Gervin. His many career achievements and chill image precede him. In this article, which ran in the April 1988 issue of Basketball Digest, Glenn Rogers of the San Antonio Express newspaper checks in with the 35-year-old Iceman to mark an upcoming city-wide ceremony to fete their retired pro basketball heroContinue reading “George Gervin: Chillin’ with The Iceman, 1988”

New Jersey Americans: One Season and Done, 1968

The court, the regulation 94-feet long, had a big white star in the center, inside concentric circles of red and blue. New Jersey’s first pro basketball team, one year away from becoming the New York Nets, would be called the Americans.

Billy Knight: The Pacers’ Newest Star, 1975

Billy Knight is only the second rookie in the Pacers’ history to crack the starting lineup right away. McGinnis was the first.