- 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 ...
History of the Tams
The Memphis Tams were an American professional sports franchise that played in Memphis, Tennessee from 1972 until 1974 as a member of the American Basketball Association.
On June 13, 1972, the team and its debts were purchased by Charles O. Finley, who also owned Major League Baseball's Oakland A's and the NHL's California Golden Seals. 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. The nickname was an acronym for Tennessee – Arkansas – Mississippi, and the logo was a tam o'shanter-style hat in white, green, and gold, which were also the new team colors, shared with the Athletics and Golden Seals.
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 winning entry in a “Rename the Team” contest was the Memphis Tams, perhaps one of the few entries that could be said to have been even less likely than “Pros.” The nickname is an acronym for Tennessee – Arkansas – Mississippi.
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
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.
Coaches
1974 – 1975 / Joe Mullaney
1972 – 1973 / Bob Bass
1967 – 1972 / Babe McCarthy
*Blue is this team’s history