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History of the Memphis Tams
The Memphis Tams competed in the American Basketball Association for two seasons, from 1972 to 1974. Although the team struggled on the court and at the box office, the Tams became one of the ABA's most distinctive franchises because of their colorful owner, unusual name, bright uniforms, and tam-o'-shanter logo.
From the Memphis Pros to the Tams
The franchise began as the New Orleans Buccaneers in 1967 before relocating to Tennessee and becoming the Memphis Pros in 1970. After two seasons under the Pros name, the financially troubled team was purchased by Oakland Athletics owner Charles O. Finley in June 1972.
Finley was known for his promotional ideas and colorful approach to sports ownership. He immediately gave the Memphis franchise a new identity modeled after his other professional teams.
The name Tams represented Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi, the three-state region from which the team hoped to attract fans. The name also inspired the team's logo, which featured a tam-o'-shanter hat.
A Colorful New Identity
Finley introduced a green, gold, and white color scheme similar to the colors used by his Oakland Athletics baseball team. The Tams wore several unusual uniform combinations, and players sometimes appeared in tam-o'-shanter hats during team introductions.
The colorful identity fit naturally with the promotional spirit of the ABA. However, the new uniforms and branding could not solve the franchise's attendance and financial problems.
The 1972-73 Season
The Memphis Tams played their first game on October 12, 1972, losing 109-105 to the Indiana Pacers. The club played its home games at the Mid-South Coliseum and was coached by Bob Bass.
The Tams struggled throughout their first season, particularly on defense. Memphis averaged 111.5 points per game but surrendered 118.1 points per contest, the highest average in the ABA.
The team endured several lengthy losing streaks, including a 15-game skid late in the season. Memphis finished with a 24-60 record, placed fifth in the ABA Eastern Division, and missed the playoffs.
George Thompson was the team's leading scorer and represented Memphis in the 1973 ABA All-Star Game. Other important players included Wil Jones, Lee Davis, George Lehmann, Ron Franz, and Willie Sojourner.
Finley's Interest Fades
Finley quickly became frustrated with the team's financial losses and weak attendance. During the first Tams season, he explored the possibility of relocating the franchise to another market.
His attention was also divided among his other professional sports teams. The Tams received relatively little day-to-day attention, and the organization struggled to build lasting support in Memphis.
The team's uncertain future made it difficult to promote games, sell tickets, and establish stability within the community.
The 1973-74 Season
The Tams returned for the 1973-74 season with Butch van Breda Kolff as head coach. The team's performance declined further as Memphis finished with a 21-63 record, again placing fifth in the Eastern Division and missing the playoffs.
Memphis averaged 101.2 points per game while allowing 108.2. The Tams ranked near the bottom of the ABA in both offensive and defensive performance.
George Thompson remained one of the team's primary scoring threats. The roster also included players such as Wil Jones, Johnny Neumann, Randy Denton, Charlie Edge, and Collis Jones.
The Tams played their final game on March 28, 1974, losing 107-105 to the Kentucky Colonels. Their second season ended with another last-place finish and continued uncertainty about the franchise's survival.
Sale and Reorganization
After the 1973-74 season, Finley gave up control of the struggling franchise. A group of local business leaders reorganized the team and attempted to rebuild its relationship with Memphis basketball fans.
On July 24, 1974, the club was renamed the Memphis Sounds. The new ownership abandoned the green-and-gold Tams identity and introduced a music-themed name that was more closely connected to the culture of Memphis.
The Sounds played one ABA season before the franchise was sold and relocated to Baltimore in 1975.
Memphis Tams Season Records
| Season |
Head Coach |
Wins |
Losses |
Division Finish |
Playoffs |
| 1972-73 |
Bob Bass |
24 |
60 |
Fifth, Eastern Division |
Did not qualify |
| 1973-74 |
Butch van Breda Kolff |
21 |
63 |
Fifth, Eastern Division |
Did not qualify |
| Tams Totals |
45 |
123 |
No playoff appearances |
Memphis Tams Timeline
| Date |
Event |
| June 13, 1972 |
Charles O. Finley purchases the Memphis Pros. |
| July 1972 |
The franchise is renamed the Memphis Tams. |
| October 12, 1972 |
The Tams play their first game, losing to the Indiana Pacers. |
| 1972-73 |
Memphis finishes 24-60 and misses the ABA playoffs. |
| 1973-74 |
The Tams finish 21-63 and miss the playoffs for a second consecutive season. |
| March 28, 1974 |
The Tams play their final game, losing to the Kentucky Colonels. |
| July 24, 1974 |
The franchise is reorganized and renamed the Memphis Sounds. |
Legacy
The Memphis Tams finished their two-season existence with a combined record of 45-123 and never qualified for the ABA playoffs. Despite their poor results, the team remains one of the most recognizable franchises from the league's colorful history.
The Tams are remembered for their green-and-gold uniforms, tam-o'-shanter logo, connection to Charles O. Finley, and unusual regional nickname. Their brief history reflected both the creativity and instability of the ABA, where teams frequently changed owners, identities, and cities while attempting to survive.
Although the Tams were unsuccessful on the court, their distinctive appearance and unusual story have made their uniforms, programs, and other memorabilia popular among collectors and ABA basketball historians.
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