Winter Auction 2016 Closing January 30th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/31/2016
Voted 1970's "Most Outstanding Player" in the NCAA, Ted McClain had his pick of not one, but two pro basketball leagues that wanted him. Instead of going with the older, more tradition-bound National Basketball League, McClain opted for the new and flashier American Basketball League. After three seasons with the Carolina Cougars, McClain was traded to the Kentucky Colonels in 1974. During the following season the ABA began to collapse as franchises began folding. In the midst of all this chaos, McClain was traded to the New York Nets halfway through the 75-76 season. This would prove to be the Kentucky Colonels final season. After the1976 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 white home jersey is trimmed in Kentucky blue. "Colonels" is spelled out in a 1970's disco-esque typeface above McClain's number "24". Rawlings size "38" label is sewn inside the lower rear tail. the back features "McClain" and number "24" in the same 1970's style blue tackle twill lettering. Beneath "McClain" can be seen the remnants of where a previous owner's name had once been stitched. The jersey shows good game use including yellow stippling most prominently on the back below the numbers. The blue tackle twill lettering exhibits puckering and various loose threading. 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. Comes with Letter of authenticity from Ted McCLain.