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25 Greatest Players in ABA History

By Maxwell Ogden

SPRINGFIELD, MA - AUGUST 12: Artis Gilmore shakes hands with Hall of Fame Player Julius Erving during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall on August 12, 2011 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA - AUGUST 12: Artis Gilmore shakes hands with Hall of Fame Player Julius Erving during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Symphony Hall on August 12, 2011 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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5. Louie Dampier

Position: Point Guard
Years Active: 1967-1976
Team(s): Kentucky Colonels
ABA Averages: 38.1 MPG, 18.9 PPG, 5.6 APG, 3.1 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.1 3PM
Accolades: ABA Champion, 4x All-ABA Second Team, 7x ABA All-Star

Louie Dampier played in every season of the American Basketball Association’s existence. That is far from the extent of his accomplishments, but the fact that Dampier was present for every single ABA campaign is a powerful testament to his importance to the league.

A unanimous selection to the ABA’s all-time team, Dampier is one of the greatest point guards you’ve never heard of—and that’s quite the shame.

For an idea of why he’s so high on this list, Dampier No. 1 in ABA history in both career points and assists.

Dampier spent his entire ABA career with the Kentucky Colonels, making seven All-Star Game appearances in his nine seasons. He was named to the All-ABA Second Team four times, and achieved the ultimate glory in 1975.

With averages of 16.9 points and 7.5 assists on 50.9 percent shooting from the field, Dampier helped Kentucky win its first and only ABA championship.

Including the Division Tiebreaker, Dampier paced Kentucky to a record of 13-3 during that dominant postseason run. He set the table for fellow legends Artis Gilmore and Dan Issel, stepped up in the clutch, and embodied the tenacity that made the ABA what it was.

From an orphaned teenager to a basketball legend, Louie Dampier was the heart and soul of Colonels basketball. One could argue that he served the same purpose for the ABA.

Next: No. 4