- 1970
- 1972
-
New Floridian Name
Following the 1969 – 1970 season, new owner Ned Doyle dropped “Miami” from the team’s name and made it a “regional” franchise, scheduling games in Miami (back at the Miami Beach Convention Center), Tampa-St. Petersburg at the Curtis Hixon Hall and Bayfront Arena, Jacksonville at the Jacksonville Memorial Coliseum, and in West Palm Beach at the West Palm Beach Auditorium. ... -
Floridians Franchise Disbanded
For the 1971 – 1972 season, the Floridians split their home games between Miami and Tampa. They again finished in fourth place in the Eastern Division, with a record of 36-48. Once again the team made the playoffs, and once again they lost their series, this time to the Virginia Squires 4-0. The Floridians’ dreadful attendance for their two home ...
History of the Floridians
The Floridians were a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, that played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1968 to 1972. During their four-year existence, they had some of the most talented players and coaches of any ABA franchise. Led by Hall-of-Famer Rick Barry and coached by former NBA champion Bill Sharman, The Floridians won two division titles during their time in the league.
The team was founded after an ownership group led by businessman Zev Bufman purchased one of three expansion franchises for $1 million each from the ABA's original ten teams. With Barry as captain and Sharman as head coach, The Floridians quickly became one of the best teams in all of professional basketball with a record-setting season that saw them win 58 games out of 67 total contests - good enough for first place finish overall within both divisions combined! They made it to playoffs but were eliminated early on due to lack of experience at this level which hindered them throughout their run despite having great talent on paper; however, they still managed strong performances against other top contenders such as Kentucky Colonels or Indiana Pacers, who eventually went onto become part champions respectively while also being competitive against powerhouse New York Nets squad featuring future Hall of Famers Julius Erving & Larry Kenon among others too!
Despite only lasting four seasons before folding due to financial issues related to poor attendance figures at home games (which averaged just over 4500 people per game), The Floridian’s legacy lives on through its alumni, including legendary player/coach duo Rick Barry & Bill Sharman along with many more talented individuals who helped make this short-lived franchise so memorable during its brief stint within America’s premier pro hoops organization – further cementing itself into history books forevermore!
Floridians Products
Established
1967
City
Minneapolis – Miami
League History
1967 – 1972 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1970 – 1972 / The Floridians
1968 – 1970 / Miami Floridians
1967 – 1968 / Minnesota Muskies
Nickname
Floridians – The Floridians were an American Basketball Association (ABA) team based in Miami, Florida, from 1968 to 1972. The team was founded by businessman and sportsman Ted Stepien and had a colorful history during its brief existence. Despite having some talented players on their roster, the Floridians never made it past the regular season playoffs and eventually folded after four seasons due to financial difficulties.
Despite their short existence, the Floridians left a lasting legacy with one of the most unique nicknames ever seen in professional basketball: "The Sunshine Boys." This nickname originated when local media began referring to them as such because of their sunny disposition towards life despite all of its challenges — something that resonated with many fans throughout South Florida at that time.
In addition to being known for this catchy nickname, The Floridians also had notable uniforms which featured bright yellow shorts paired with orange shirts or jerseys — colors associated closely with sunshine! These uniforms are remembered fondly by those who followed them during their heyday and current sports fans who appreciate classic designs from yesteryear.
Overall, while The Floridians may have been short-lived, they left behind an indelible mark on professional basketball thanks primarily due to not only talented players but also a memorable nickname derived from South Florida’s sunny weather conditions – “the Sunshine Boys.”
Championship
ABA Championships 0
Arena
*Miami*
1968 – 1972 / Miami Beach Convention Center
*Tampa-St. Petersburg*
1970 – 1972/ Bayfront Arena
*Jacksonville*
1970 – 1972 / Jacksonville Memorial Coliseum
*Minnesota*
1967 – 1968 / Met Center
Owner
1970 – 1972 / Ned Doyle
1967 – 1969 / L.P. Shields & Fred Jefferson
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
1969 – 1972 / Jim Pollard/Harold Blitman
1967 – 1969 / Jim Pollard
*Blue is this team’s history
