| 1970–71 Pittsburgh Condors season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Jack McMahon |
| Arena | Pittsburgh Civic Arena |
| Results | |
| Record | 36–48 (.429) |
| Place | Division: 5th (Eastern) |
The 1970–71 Pittsburgh Condors season was the first season of the Pittsburgh Condors, and third overall season of Pittsburgh's tenure in American Basketball Association.
History
Haven Industries (makers of the Jack Frost sugar brand) bought this team after the previous season and decided to rename it. After launching a naming contest, with a prize of $500, the winning selection was "Pioneers"; however, Point Park College, a NAIA-affiliated college that was located near the team offices, threatened legal action due to the college's historical use of the nickname for its own team. The pro team hastily came up with a replacement name, finally settling on the "Condors."
The first game of the season was played on October 15, 1970 against the New York Nets. The Condors won 105–102 in front of a crowd of 3,616; however, the low attendance figure was a harbinger of things to come. For the November 17th game versus the Floridians, general manager Marty Blake tried to spur crowd interest by giving away all available tickets for free. Of the 13,000 seats offered, 8,074 fans showed up. Later in the year, he was fired when the team's record declined below .500.
On March 6, 1971, Stew Johnson scored 62 points versus the Floridians, going 25 of 44 with one three-pointer made and eleven free throws. While the team's biggest losing streak (done twice) was only four games, the team simply could not maintain a winning streak longer than three games, with the team being reassured of a below .500 finish after losing on March 13, just nine games before the end of the season.
The team was in contention for the final spot in the playoffs, however, during a contest against the Floridians (36–46), in the penultimate game for both teams (played on March 28) that could seal the playoff spot, as the Condors had a 35–47 record. The team lost 130–117 to the Floridians, though, sealing its fate.
Two days later, its season ended, with Pittsburgh having missed a playoff berth for another consecutive year. It finished fifth in points scored, with a 119.1 points per game average. Conversely, it finished eighth in points allowed at 121.8 points per game.[1]
Roster
- 22 Walker Banks - Center
- 23/40 John Brisker - Small forward
- 21 Charles Hentz - Point forward
- 15 Rich Johnson - Center
- 13 Stew Johnson - Point forward
- 22 Arvesta Kelly - Guard
- 12 Joe Kennedy - Small forward
- 33 Dave Lattin - Point forward
- -- Harry Laurie - Guard
- 24 Mike Lewis - Center
- 15 Ken Spain - Center
- 23 Skeeter Swift - Shooting guard
- 25 George Thompson - Shooting guard
- 32 Samuel Watts - Shooting guard
- 14 Hubie White - Shooting guard
- 10/44 Charles Williams - Point guard
- -- Chuck Williams - Point guard
- 14 Jim Wilson - Guard
Final standings
Eastern Division
| Eastern Division | W | L | PCT | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Squires * | 55 | 29 | .655 | - |
| Kentucky Colonels * | 44 | 40 | .524 | 11.0 |
| New York Nets * | 40 | 44 | .476 | 15.0 |
| The Floridians * | 37 | 47 | .440 | 18.0 |
| Pittsburgh Condors | 36 | 48 | .429 | 19.0 |
| Carolina Cougars | 34 | 50 | .405 | 21.0 |
Awards and honors
1971 ABA All-Star Game selections (game played on January 23, 1971)