Coming off back-to-back ACC Player of the Year awards, University of South Carolina guard John Roche drew significant interest from both the NBA and ABA. Drafted by the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and the ABA’s Kentucky Colonels in 1971, Roche ultimately decided against going with the older, more tradition-bound National Basketball League and opted for the new and flashier American Basketball League. Roche signed with the New York Nets after having his draft rights traded by Kentucky. After three seasons with the Nets, Roche was traded back to the Kentucky Colonels during the 1973-74 season.

     After the 1976 season, several teams folded and the NBA accepted four ABA teams into their fold - but the Colonels were not one of them and this rare jersey stands as a quiet reminder of a once proud ABA franchise. The blue road jersey is trimmed in Kentucky blue. "Kentucky" is sewn on in white and red tackle twill made out in a 1970's disco-esque typeface above Roche's number "11". Rawlings size "40" and “ 1” LONGER” labels are sewn inside the lower front right tail. The jersey is trimmed in red and white, which runs down each side and along the open arms and neck. The back features "Roche" and number "11" in the same 1970's style white and red tackle twill. Roche’s sewn on name has been restored and this jersey shows moderate game use including yellow stippling most prominently on the front numbers. Overall the Kentucky blue remains bright and this, combined with the 1970's disco lettering, makes this a great example of the flamboyant style the ABA was known for. This jersey comes with a full LOA from noted game used expert Dave Miedema.

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