History of the Mavericks

The Houston Mavericks were a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA). They played in the upstart league's first two seasons, from 1967 to 1969. Their home arena was the Sam Houston Coliseum. In 1947–48, there was an unrelated Mavericks franchise based in Houston as part of the Professional Basketball League of America.

The Mavericks were one of the first ABA franchises, announced on February 2, 1967, when the ABA was formed. They were owned by businessman T. C. Morrow. One of the minority partners was Bud Adams, who owned the Houston Oilers of the American Football League. Houston native and former NBA great Slater Martin was hired as general manager and head coach.

Established
1967

City
Houston – Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh – St. Louis – Salt Lake City

League History
1967 – 1976 / American Basketball Association

Team History
1976 / Utah Rockies (Never Played a Game)
1974 – 1976 / Spirits of St. Louis
1969 – 1974 / Carolina Cougars
1967 – 1969 / Houston Mavericks

Nickname
Mavericks – The team’s name coming from the 1957 – 1962 TV western Maverick the name.

Championship
ABA Championships 0

Arena
*St. Louis*
1974 – 1976 / St. Louis Arena

*North Carolina*
1969 – 1974 / Greensboro Coliseum
1969 – 1974 / Bojangles’ Coliseum
1969 – 1974 / J.S. Dorton Arena (Raleigh)

*Houston*
1967 – 1969 / Sam Houston Coliseum

Owner
1974 – 1976 / Ozzie Silna and Daniel Silna
1969 – 1974 / Southern Sports Corporation
1967 – 1969 / T. C. Morrow

Coaches
1976 / Joe Mullaney
1975 / Rod Thorn
1974 – 1975 / Bob MacKinnon
1972 – 1974 / Larry Brown
1971 – 1972 / Tom Meschery
1971 / Jerry Steele
1970 – 1971 / Bones McKinney
1968 – 1969 / Art Becker and Jim Weaver
1967 – 1968 / Slater Martin and Art Becker

*Blue is this team’s history