ABA Champions, NBA Casualties: The Untold Story of the Kentucky Colonels

The Kentucky Colonels were one of the most successful and beloved teams in the history of the American Basketball Association (ABA), a professional basketball league that operated from 1967 to 1976 and later merged with the NBA. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, the Colonels were known for their passionate fan base, elite talent, and eventual championship run. Though the team didn’t make the jump to the NBA in the 1976 merger, its legacy remains strong in the hearts of basketball purists.

Founding and Early Struggles (1967–1970)

The Kentucky Colonels were founded in 1967 as one of the ABA’s charter franchises. They were originally owned by Don Regan and a group of Louisville investors. The team played its home games at Freedom Hall, which would become synonymous with ABA basketball in Kentucky.

Like many ABA teams, the Colonels struggled to find their footing in the early years. Coaching changes were frequent, and although the team showed flashes of promise, consistency was elusive. In the 1968–69 season, the Colonels signed 7’2″ center Artis Gilmore, who would eventually become the face of the franchise and a dominant force in the league.

The Artis Gilmore Era and Rise to Contention (1970–1975)

The Colonels’ fortunes changed dramatically when they drafted Artis Gilmore out of Jacksonville University with the first overall pick in the 1971 ABA draft. Gilmore’s impact was immediate—he won both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in 1972. A towering presence in the paint, Gilmore brought defense, rebounding, and leadership.

Under head coaches like Joe Mullaney and later Hubie Brown, the Colonels developed a hard-nosed, disciplined style of basketball. They consistently ranked among the league’s best teams, making deep playoff runs. Key players during this stretch included:

• Dan Issel – A scoring machine and fierce competitor

• Louie Dampier – A sharp-shooting guard and one of the all-time ABA greats

• Maurice Lucas – An enforcer and strong interior presence

• Marv Roberts, Wil Jones, and Ted McClain – All valuable role players

The Colonels reached the ABA Finals in 1971 but lost in a seven-game series to the Utah Stars.

Remember The ABA: Dan “The Horse” Issel (1971-73)

1975 ABA Championship: The Pinnacle of Success

The crowning moment for the franchise came in the 1974–75 season, under head coach Hubie Brown. The Colonels finished with a 58–26 record and entered the playoffs as one of the league’s most dangerous teams.

In the ABA Finals, they faced the talented Indiana Pacers, a team that had won three previous ABA titles. Led by Artis Gilmore’s dominance, Dampier’s leadership, and a deep supporting cast, the Colonels defeated Indiana 4–1 to win their first and only ABA Championship.

The 1975 Colonels were widely considered one of the strongest teams in ABA history, blending power, finesse, and chemistry.

1975 ABA Kentucky Colonels Vs Indiana Pacers ABA Finals Game 5

Missed Merger and Disbandment (1976)

When the ABA and NBA merged in 1976, only four teams were absorbed into the NBA: the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs. Despite their success, the Colonels were not included in the merger.

Owner John Y. Brown Jr.—who had bought the team in 1973—accepted a $3 million buyout from the NBA instead of continuing the fight to keep the Colonels alive. Brown would later use that money to purchase the Buffalo Braves (later to become the Los Angeles Clippers).

The Colonels were disbanded, and their players were dispersed through a dispersal draft. Artis Gilmore went to the Chicago Bulls, Louie Dampier joined the San Antonio Spurs, and Maurice Lucas became a key piece of the Portland Trail Blazers’ 1977 NBA championship team.

How Did The Kentucky Colonels’ NBA Dreams Fall Short?

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Though the Kentucky Colonels only existed for nine seasons, their impact on basketball was profound:

• Consistency: The Colonels were the winningest team in ABA history, with a 448–296 record (.602 winning percentage).

• Star Power: Gilmore and Dampier became Hall of Famers, while others like Issel and Lucas made major marks in both the ABA and NBA.

• Fan Support: Louisville fans were incredibly loyal, and Colonels games at Freedom Hall were raucous and well-attended.

• Style of Play: The team’s blend of physicality, teamwork, and ABA flair (including the red-white-and-blue ball and the three-point shot) endeared them to fans of the era.

1975 Kentucky Colonels reunite for 30th anniversary of ABA championship

Conclusion

The Kentucky Colonels remain one of the greatest teams never to play in the NBA. Their 1975 championship, star-studded roster, and dominance during the final years of the ABA continue to be remembered fondly. While the franchise’s end was abrupt, its spirit lives on among basketball historians and fans who appreciate the wild, colorful, and competitive world of the ABA.

The Colonels’ story is a reminder that greatness isn’t always measured in longevity—it’s often found in the moments that capture the heart of a city and the imagination of a generation.