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History of the Tri-Cities Blackhawks
The Tri-Cities Blackhawks were one of the original franchises of the National Basketball Association and the direct predecessor of today's Atlanta Hawks. Based in the neighboring communities of Moline and Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa—collectively known today as the Quad Cities—the Blackhawks competed from 1946 to 1951. Although the franchise never won a championship during its years in the Tri-Cities, it played a vital role in establishing professional basketball in the Midwest and laid the foundation for one of the NBA's oldest continuously operating franchises.
Origins in Buffalo
The franchise began as the Buffalo Bisons in the National Basketball League (NBL) during the 1946–47 season.
After only 13 games, disappointing attendance and financial losses forced owner Ben Kerner to relocate the team to the Tri-Cities region of Illinois and Iowa.
The franchise adopted the name Tri-Cities Blackhawks, honoring Chief Black Hawk, the Sauk leader whose name had long been associated with the region.
The move provided the franchise with stronger community support and greater financial stability.
The National Basketball League Years
The Blackhawks completed the remainder of the 1946–47 NBL season before becoming one of the league's more competitive clubs.
The team played its home games at Wharton Field House in Moline, Illinois, one of the Midwest's premier basketball arenas.
Representing three neighboring cities, the Blackhawks built a loyal regional following and developed a reputation for physical, fundamentally sound basketball.
Joining the NBA
In 1949, the National Basketball League merged with the Basketball Association of America (BAA) to create the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The Tri-Cities Blackhawks became one of the league's original NBA franchises.
Despite competing in one of the NBA's smallest markets, the Blackhawks proved capable of challenging teams from much larger cities.
Early Stars
Don Otten
Center Don Otten developed into one of professional basketball's premier big men during the late 1940s. Standing nearly seven feet tall, Otten ranked among the league leaders in scoring and rebounding before injuries shortened his career.
Frankie Brian
Guard Frankie Brian became one of the franchise's first stars thanks to his outstanding shooting ability and scoring prowess.
Dike Eddleman
One of America's finest all-around athletes, George "Dike" Eddleman excelled in both basketball and football, becoming one of the Blackhawks' most recognizable players.
Red Auerbach's Brief Stay
One of basketball's greatest coaches briefly led the Blackhawks.
Red Auerbach served as head coach during the 1949–50 season.
Although his tenure lasted only one year, Auerbach introduced many of the fast-break and defensive concepts that later defined the Boston Celtics dynasty.
His departure to Boston changed the course of NBA history.
The Bob Cousy Draft Story
The 1950 NBA Draft produced one of the league's most famous "what if" stories.
The Blackhawks selected Bob Cousy with the third overall pick.
Believing Cousy's flashy style would not translate to professional basketball, the franchise traded his rights before he ever appeared in a game.
When the Chicago Stags folded shortly afterward, Cousy entered a dispersal draft and was acquired by the Boston Celtics, where he became one of basketball's earliest superstars.
Relocation to Milwaukee
Although the Blackhawks remained competitive, owner Ben Kerner believed the franchise needed a larger market.
Following the 1950–51 season, the team relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, becoming the Milwaukee Hawks.
The move ended the NBA's first era of professional basketball in the Quad Cities.
The Franchise Continues
| Years |
Team Name |
| 1946 |
Buffalo Bisons |
| 1946–1951 |
Tri-Cities Blackhawks |
| 1951–1955 |
Milwaukee Hawks |
| 1955–1968 |
St. Louis Hawks |
| 1968–Present |
Atlanta Hawks |
Legacy
Although the Tri-Cities Blackhawks never captured an NBA championship, they played a significant role in professional basketball's formative years. The franchise demonstrated that major league basketball could thrive in smaller Midwestern communities and helped bridge the transition from the National Basketball League to the modern NBA.
The Blackhawks also featured influential basketball figures including Red Auerbach, Don Otten, Frankie Brian, Dike Eddleman, and Leo Barnhorst.
Most importantly, the Tri-Cities years established the foundation for a franchise that continues today as the Atlanta Hawks.
Tri-Cities Blackhawks Timeline
| Year |
Event |
| 1946 |
Franchise relocates from Buffalo after 13 games. |
| 1946 |
Team renamed the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. |
| 1946 |
Begins playing at Wharton Field House. |
| 1949 |
Becomes an original NBA franchise following the BAA-NBL merger. |
| 1949 |
Red Auerbach becomes head coach. |
| 1950 |
Drafts Bob Cousy before trading his rights. |
| 1951 |
Relocates to Milwaukee and becomes the Milwaukee Hawks. |
| 1955 |
Moves to St. Louis. |
| 1958 |
Wins the NBA Championship. |
| 1968 |
Relocates to Atlanta. |
Notable Players
- Don Otten
- Frankie Brian
- Dike Eddleman
- Leo Barnhorst
- Fred Schaus
- Paul Unruh
Notable Coaches
- Red Auerbach
- Roger Potter
- Nat Hickey
Historical Significance
The Tri-Cities Blackhawks occupy an important place in NBA history. They were one of the original NBA franchises following the 1949 BAA-NBL merger and helped preserve professional basketball during a period when many early teams struggled to survive.
Their connection to Red Auerbach, the Bob Cousy draft, and their eventual evolution into today's Atlanta Hawks makes the Blackhawks one of the most historically significant franchises of the NBA's early years.
Though they spent only five seasons in the Quad Cities, the Blackhawks left a lasting legacy that continues through one of the NBA's oldest continuously operating franchises.
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