[In late 1967, about two weeks into his rookie season, Mel Daniels and his Minnesota Muskies were in Teaneck National Guard Armory to face the New Jersey Americans. A young reporter named Ira Berkow ambled over to Daniels and asked, “What do you think of playing in the ABA?” The ABA was brand-spanking-new, and DanielsContinue reading “Mel Daniels Itching for Shot at NBA Stars, 1971”
Tag Archives: ABA
The NBA’s War on ABA, 1970
When superstar Connie Hawkins jumped from the American Basketball Association to the National Basketball Association, it was hailed as a major triumph for The Establishment (NBA) over the Young Rebels (ABA). Actually, it was a strategic move motivated by expediency and economy.
Who Are the All-Time Greatest Slam-Dunk Artists? 1977
Dr. J. is the slam-dunk champ of the ABA. Won it fair and square at halftime of the league’s All-Star game last winter.
Flashback 1966-67: When Philadelphia Did Win the NBA Championship, 1977
But match us up against the team now, and we’d win, no doubt about it. They’d have nobody to compete against Wilt. Chet or Billy would chase Doc, and Doc would have to come to the hoop, where Wilt would be waiting.
Nick Jones: Tales of a Pro Basketball Journeyman, 1971
The road to San Francisco was a long and often discouraging one for Nick Jones.
Mack Calvin: ‘The Knife’ Cuts Deep, 1972
They call him “Mack the Knife” because he has a knack for slashing defenses apart with his astounding moves.
Dan Issel’s Inexorable, 1972
There is an unmistakable quality about Dan Issel on the basketball court: Once he makes up his mind to do something, he will do everything possible to accomplish it. Inexorable.
Centers of Attention: Artis Gilmore and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 1975
Individually, Jabbar and Gilmore are the most assertive forces in their respective leagues.
Who Is John Brisker? 1972
He’s worth knowing. He plays mean basketball but, in his soul, there is no meanness.
John Brisker: Mr. Punch from Pittsburgh, 1972
Today, John Brisker is the most-prized possession of the ABA’s Pittsburgh Condors, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound forward who has led the team in scoring in his first two years of pro ball, and whose 29.3 average last season was the league’s second best.
From Way Downtown 