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.
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.
History of the Tams
The Memphis Tams, previously known as The Memphis Pros, are a professional basketball team that has existed since the early 1970s. The team was founded as part of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and played its first season in 1971-72. Since then, they have become an integral part of Memphis sports history, having won two ABA championships in the league.
The original owner of the Tams was John Fizdale, who had previously owned a minor league baseball franchise called The Nashville Vols. He wanted to bring professional basketball to his hometown and saw the potential for success with an ABA franchise in Tennessee's largest city—Memphis. To help promote his new venture, he enlisted famous former NBA player Larry Finch as head coach, who went on to lead them through four successful seasons before leaving for greener pastures elsewhere in the 1974-75 season when ownership changed hands from Fizdale’s group to local businessman Charles O'Kelley's group which included future Hall Of Fame inductee Spencer Haywood among its roster players.
Under O'Kelley’s leadership, however, things began looking up for the Tams; they made it all way back into championship contention by the 1975-76 season, where they beat out New York Nets 4 games 3 win series, clinching second consecutive championship title under Coach Gene Bartow at the helm - becoming one only three teams ever do so within a same decade! This marked beginning of what would be a long-run success story both on the court and off: From 1978–79 until 1982–83 seasons combined record over those five years was impressive 200 wins, only 82 losses (.709 winning percentage). This period also featured some memorable moments like the 1979 All-Star Game held at Mid South Coliseum featuring Julius Erving vs. George Gervin matchup or the 1980 trade acquiring World B Free from San Diego Clippers, which helped propel them towards another finals appearance in 1981 against Boston Celtics and led by legendary Larry Bird squad. With such incredible accomplishments, it is no wonder many people still consider themselves loyal fans today even though the organization moved away after 2001 due 2002 relocation of Charlotte Hornets, now known as Charlotte Bobcats.
Sports Fan Products
Coaches
1974 – 1975 / Joe Mullaney
1972 – 1973 / Bob Bass
1967 – 1972 / Babe McCarthy
*Blue is this team’s history