The Memphis Tams history reflects a short but colorful chapter in ABA basketball. As part of the American Basketball Association, the Memphis Tams brought excitement and energy to Memphis fans. Their performances, players, and rebranding efforts defined a unique era for Memphis Tams basketball, leaving behind a legacy that still stands in sports history.
Established
1967
City
New Orleans – Memphis – Baltimore
League History
1967 – 1975 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1975 / Baltimore Claws (Only Played three exhibition Game)
1974 – 1975 / Memphis Sounds
1972 – 1974 / Memphis Tams
1970 – 1972 / Memphis Pros
1967 – 1970 / New Orleans Buccaneers
Nickname
Tams - The Memphis Tams, a professional basketball team based in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1972 to 1974, had an interesting origin story behind its nickname. The name “Tams” was derived from the acronym TAMS which stands for "Tennessee – Arkansas – Mississippi," representing the three states that make up the Mid-South region where they played their home games.
Memphis Tams Origin
The idea of using this acronym as a nickname came about when one of the original owners and founders, Fred Smith Sr., wanted to emphasize how important it was for all three states (Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi) to come together in support of his hometown team. He believed that having such a regionalized moniker would help bring unity among fans across state lines during what could have been seen as rivalries between each state's respective teams at that time.
It worked too! Attendance rose significantly during their two seasons playing in Memphis (1972-1974), with many fans coming out from all over Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi to watch them play - proving Smith's vision correct! Sadly though, after two short years of existence due to financial issues caused by low attendance numbers, the franchise folded, leaving only memories behind - but those memories are still held dear today amongst sports fans throughout Mid South region who remember fondly supporting their beloved Tams back then.
Championship
ABA Championships 0
Arena
*Emmitsburg, Maryland (Baltimore)*
1975 / St. Mary’s College
*Memphis*
1970 – 1975 / Mid-South Coliseum
*New Orleans*
1969 – 1970 / Tulane Gym
1967 – 1969 / Loyola Field House
Owner
1975 / American Basketball Association Office
1972 – 1975 / Charles O. Finley
1970 – 1972 / P. W. Blake
1967 – 1970 / Morton Downey, Jr., Charles G. Smither and 5 other Owners
- 1972
- 1974
Purchased By Charles O. Finley
On June 13, 1972, the team was purchased by Charles O. Finley, who also owned Major League Baseball’s Oakland A’s and the NHL’s California Golden Seals. Finley also took over the team’s debts. Legendary former University of Kentucky head coach Adolph Rupp became team president. The winning entry in a “Rename the Team” contest was the Memphis Tams, perhaps one ...
The Last Days of Tams
The Tams continued to be a mess, as Charles Finley began trying to sell the team, as he once again looked to move them this time to Rhode Island. However, Finley would be unable to load the Tams, who had a new coach in Butch van Breda Kolff. On the court, they continued to struggle, as a frustrated van Breda ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Memphis Tams History
The Memphis Tams, originally known as the Memphis Pros, were a professional basketball team that played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) during the early 1970s. The Memphis Tams history began in 1972 when the franchise underwent a rebranding led by new ownership. The team’s colors—green, gold, and white—were chosen to represent Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi, forming the acronym “TAMS.”
The franchise was purchased by Charles O. Finley, the flamboyant owner of the Oakland Athletics and the NHL’s California Golden Seals. His vision was to bring excitement and identity to Memphis Tams basketball, though his bold promotional ideas often overshadowed on-court performance. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the new brand, the Memphis Tams struggled in the standings, finishing last in the Western Division during both the 1972–73 and 1973–74 ABA seasons.
Throughout their brief existence, the Memphis Tams faced significant financial challenges. Attendance at home games declined, and player morale suffered as a result. Still, they featured talented players like George Thompson, Randy Denton, and Wil Jones, who kept Memphis Tams basketball competitive and entertaining for fans. Their games were known for an energetic atmosphere at the Mid-South Coliseum, even when victories were few.
Tams Achievements
By 1974, due to the team’s ongoing financial difficulties, Finley handed control of the franchise back to the league. The team was eventually reorganized under new management and renamed the Memphis Sounds for the 1974–75 season, marking the end of the Memphis Tams history but the beginning of a new chapter for professional basketball in Memphis.
Despite their limited success, the Memphis Tams contributed significantly to the ABA’s identity. The franchise helped keep professional basketball alive in Memphis during the league’s turbulent years. Their presence paved the way for future Memphis teams, including the Memphis Sounds and later the Memphis Grizzlies, showing how early ABA franchises shaped the city’s sports culture.
Notable Moment: The Rebranding of 1972
One of the most significant achievements in Memphis Tams history was their 1972 rebranding under Charles O. Finley. The new name, colors, and identity gave Memphis Tams basketball a fresh image and brought national attention to the city’s role in the ABA. Although short-lived, this rebranding remains a defining part of Memphis’ basketball legacy.
Coaches
1974 – 1975 / Joe Mullaney
1972 – 1973 / Bob Bass
1967 – 1972 / Babe McCarthy
*Blue is this team’s history