ABA Players Directory - American Basketball Association (1967-1976)

The American Basketball Association featured some of the most talented and influential basketball players of the 1960s and 1970s. During its nine seasons from 1967 through 1976, the league attracted established NBA stars, talented college players, international players and young athletes who would later become some of the greatest performers in NBA history.

ABA players helped introduce a more athletic and offensively creative style of professional basketball. The league became known for high-scoring guards, explosive forwards, dominant centers and exceptional long-distance shooters. Its three-point line rewarded perimeter shooting, while its open style of play gave talented players opportunities to showcase their abilities.

Among the league's most famous players were Julius Erving, Connie Hawkins, Rick Barry, George Gervin, Artis Gilmore, Mel Daniels, Dan Issel, George McGinnis, Roger Brown, David Thompson and Moses Malone. Many former ABA players continued their careers in the NBA following the 1976 agreement between the leagues.

This directory organizes notable ABA players by their primary playing positions. Some players appeared at multiple positions during their careers, and their listed teams refer to their ABA franchises rather than later NBA organizations.

The ABA featured outstanding backcourt players who excelled as scorers, playmakers and long-distance shooters. Guards such as Louie Dampier, Freddie Lewis, Donnie Freeman and Ron Boone helped define the league's fast-paced style, while George Gervin and David Thompson became two of professional basketball's most spectacular offensive stars.

Some of the greatest players in ABA history were forwards. Julius Erving, Connie Hawkins, Rick Barry, George McGinnis and Billy Cunningham were among the league's MVP winners, while players such as Maurice Lucas, Willie Wise, Bobby Jones and Larry Kenon helped their teams compete for championships.

The ABA's centers included some of the most dominant rebounders and interior defenders of their era. Artis Gilmore, Mel Daniels, Dan Issel, Zelmo Beaty and Moses Malone combined exceptional rebounding with efficient scoring, while several continued their success in the NBA after 1976.

ABA All-Time Scoring Leader

Louie Dampier scored 13,726 points during his ABA career with the Kentucky Colonels. He also led the league in career assists and became one of the ABA's most recognizable players.

ABA Most Valuable Player Awards

Julius Erving won three ABA MVP awards, more than any other player. Mel Daniels won twice, while Connie Hawkins, Spencer Haywood, Artis Gilmore, Billy Cunningham and George McGinnis also earned MVP recognition.

ABA's Greatest Championship Dynasty

The Indiana Pacers won three championships in 1970, 1972 and 1973. Players such as Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, Freddie Lewis, George McGinnis and Bob Netolicky helped build the league's most successful championship franchise.

First ABA Most Valuable Player

Connie Hawkins won the first ABA MVP award during the 1967-68 season, leading the Pittsburgh Pipers to the league's inaugural championship.

Players Who Entered the NBA in 1976

Following the ABA-NBA agreement, players such as Julius Erving, Artis Gilmore, George Gervin, David Thompson, Dan Issel and Moses Malone became important figures in the NBA.

ABA's Final Rookie of the Year

David Thompson of the Denver Nuggets won the ABA Rookie of the Year award for the 1975-76 season, the league's final year.

First Woman to Appear in the ABA

Penny Ann Early appeared briefly for the Kentucky Colonels on November 27, 1968. Her appearance was a unique moment in professional basketball history and remains one of the most unusual stories from the ABA era.

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