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.
Tag Archives: ABA
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.
Ron King: A Simple Twist of Fate, 1972
“If that hadn’t happened, it would have been all different,” he said. “I know I could play. When I was that age, I don’t think there were five players in the country who could shoot better than me from 20 feet on out. I could flat shoot the ball.”
Connie Hawkins: The Hawk Ages Gracefully, 1991
At 48, The Hawk can still fly, but he prefers to lay low and stay close to his nest in the Pittsburgh suburbs.
George McGinnis’ Thoughts on His Old ABA Colleagues, 1976
“People want to find out about these (ABA) guys. You know, if I had stayed my whole career with the ABA, that was something they’d always say about me. It probably would have been on my mind, too.”
Willie Sojourner: That Tall Carpenter in Elko, 1990
Sojourner had his moments as a rookie. Like Red Robbins Night in the Salt Palace.
Virginia Squires: One Night in Roanoke, 1971
One of the notices that flashed across the Civic Center scoreboard Saturday read, “Welcome to Squire Country.” And at last, it appears that it may be just that.
Connie Hawkins Comes Home, 1970
Coaches can’t say enough about a flash-quick man who palms with a pair of hands longer and broader than those of most seven footers.
From Way Downtown 