History of the Pittsburgh Condors

A New Beginning for an ABA Franchise

The Pittsburgh Condors were the final incarnation of the American Basketball Association (ABA) franchise that began as the Pittsburgh Pipers, the league's inaugural champion in 1967-68. After a brief move to Minnesota and one season as the Minnesota Pipers, the club returned to Pittsburgh in 1969. Seeking to distance itself from declining attendance and financial troubles, ownership renamed the team the Pittsburgh Condors for the 1970-71 season.

Although the new nickname represented a fresh start, many of the franchise's long-standing problems remained. The Condors struggled financially throughout their existence, but they also produced exciting basketball, developed several talented players, and featured future Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown during their final season.

Despite lasting only two seasons, the Condors became one of the ABA's more memorable franchises.

Why the Name Changed

When the team returned from Minnesota following the 1968-69 season, it once again played as the Pittsburgh Pipers. However, the departure of Connie Hawkins to the NBA's Phoenix Suns left the club without its biggest attraction.

Attendance fell sharply during the 1969-70 season, and ownership hoped a complete rebranding would generate renewed excitement.

The name "Condors" was selected before the 1970-71 season to symbolize strength, freedom, and a new beginning. Unfortunately, a new nickname alone could not solve the franchise's financial difficulties.

The 1970-71 Season

The Condors entered their first season under head coach Jackie Moore, a former ABA player who quickly became known for his energetic style and ability to motivate younger players.

The roster featured an exciting mix of veterans and young talent, including:

• John Brisker
• Mike Gale
• Stew Johnson
• Dave Johnson
• George Thompson
• Ron Williams

John Brisker Becomes a Star

The unquestioned star of the Condors was forward John Brisker.

Nicknamed "Heavy Duty," Brisker was one of the ABA's most explosive scorers. He combined tremendous strength with an excellent jump shot and an aggressive style of play that made him both feared and respected around the league.

During the 1970-71 season, Brisker averaged more than 28 points per game while earning ABA All-Star honors.

His scoring ability kept Pittsburgh competitive despite the franchise's financial instability.

A Competitive Team

The Condors finished the regular season with a 44-40 record, their first winning season since capturing the ABA championship three years earlier.

Pittsburgh qualified for the ABA Playoffs and met the powerful Virginia Squires in the Eastern Division Semifinals.

Led by Julius Erving, Charlie Scott, and Jim Eakins, the Squires defeated Pittsburgh four games to two.

Although eliminated in the opening round, the Condors had proven they could still compete with the league's best teams.

Larry Brown Arrives

Following the season, Jackie Moore departed and the Condors hired Larry Brown as head coach.

Brown had recently completed an outstanding ABA playing career and was beginning what would become one of basketball's greatest coaching careers.

Although only in his early thirties, Brown immediately established himself as an outstanding teacher of the game.

His emphasis on defense, teamwork, and disciplined execution quickly improved the team's consistency.

The 1971-72 Season

The Condors again fielded an entertaining club during the 1971-72 season.

John Brisker remained among the ABA's elite scorers, while young guard Mike Gale continued developing into one of the league's finest backcourt players.

Despite Brown's coaching, the franchise struggled with injuries and inconsistent play throughout the season.

Pittsburgh finished with a 34-50 record, missing the playoffs.

Although the results declined, Brown's coaching ability attracted attention throughout professional basketball. He would soon become one of the ABA's premier coaches before eventually achieving legendary status in both the ABA and NBA.

Financial Collapse

By 1972 the Condors' financial situation had become critical.

Attendance remained among the lowest in the ABA despite competitive basketball and several outstanding individual performers.

Ownership searched unsuccessfully for new investors willing to keep professional basketball in Pittsburgh.

Without additional financial support, the franchise could no longer continue operations.

Following the 1971-72 season, the ABA officially folded the Pittsburgh Condors.

Unlike many other struggling ABA teams, the Condors were not relocated. The franchise simply ceased operations.

John Brisker's Legacy

Although the Condors never won another championship, John Brisker emerged as one of the ABA's greatest scorers.

Over three seasons with the franchise, Brisker averaged more than 27 points per game while earning multiple ABA All-Star selections.

Known for both his scoring ability and intimidating physical style, Brisker became one of the league's most colorful personalities.

Tragically, his life ended under mysterious circumstances in 1978 when he disappeared while reportedly traveling in Uganda. He was later declared legally dead, making his story one of basketball's enduring mysteries.

Larry Brown's Coaching Career

While Pittsburgh marked only the beginning of Larry Brown's coaching career, it proved to be an important stepping stone.

Brown later coached the Carolina Cougars, Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets, Kansas Jayhawks, San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Charlotte Bobcats, and Southern Methodist University.

He remains the only coach to win both an NCAA Division I national championship and an NBA championship.

Many historians consider his brief tenure with the Condors the first glimpse of coaching greatness.

Season-by-Season Results

Head Coaches

Notable Players

• John Brisker
• Mike Gale
• Stew Johnson
• George Thompson
• Dave Johnson
• Ron Williams
• Wendell Ladner

Legacy

Although the Pittsburgh Condors survived for only two seasons, they represented the final chapter of one of the ABA's original franchises. The organization began as the Pittsburgh Pipers, won the league's first championship in 1968, briefly relocated to Minnesota, returned to Pittsburgh, and ultimately concluded its existence as the Condors.

The franchise showcased several outstanding players, most notably John Brisker, while also providing Larry Brown with his first opportunity to lead a professional team as a head coach. Even though financial struggles ultimately brought an end to the Condors, the team remains an important part of ABA history.

The Pittsburgh Condors also marked the end of major professional basketball in Pittsburgh for more than three decades. Their story reflects both the excitement and instability that characterized the ABA during its formative years. Though short-lived, the Condors helped shape the league's colorful legacy and remain fondly remembered by basketball historians as one of the ABA's most distinctive franchises.