One-of-a-kind items from the personal collections of two ABA greats are on the market for the first time.
SCP Auctions is offering game-worn uniforms, trophies and other memorabilia from Mel Daniels and John Beasley, both of whom were stars in the league made famous by its plucky attitude and red, white and blue ball.
Beasley, a center who grew up in tiny Kildare, TX and became a two-time Southwest Conference Player of the Year at Texas A&M, spent his entire professional career in the ABA.
He scored 6,909 points and grabbing 4,257 rebounds between his stints with the Dallas Chaparrals, San Antonio Spours and Utah Stars from 1967-74. He’s consigned all three of his game-worn ABA All-Star uniforms and several other gamers.
“The All-Star uniforms are so rare and desirable,” remarked SCP Auctions President David Kohler, himself a connoisseur of vintage basketball memorabilia.
Beasley has even turned over the trophy he won as MVP of the second ever ABA All-Star Game in 1969 and there’s a photo included with the lot that shows him receiving it after the game in Louisville.
Beasley’s West squad defeated an East squad that day—one that featured Indiana Pacers star Mel Daniels and items from the late center’s long pro career are also part of the auction. Daniels was a two-time ABA Most Valuable Player and three-time champion who was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2012.
A 1974 All-Star jersey and 1972 shorts are among the highlights of the collection that’s been consigned by the Daniels family. Also included are high Basketball Hall of Fame ring and trophy and the basketball he snared to become the first ABA player to reach 5,000 career rebounds.
Daniels is the ABA’s all-time rebounding leader with 9,494 and ranks second behind Artis Gilmore with 15.1 rebounds per game. He has the fourth most points in ABA history with 11,739 and played in 628 games—ninth on the all-time list.
The items are part of an auction that includes a restored T206 Honus Wagner, Barry Bonds’ 500th home run ball, numerous PSA 10 vintage cards, including many from one of the hobby’s highest graded sets, a collection of 1933 Goudey cards and hundreds of other items.
Bidding wraps up this Saturday at SCPAuctions.com.
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