The Virginia Squires history holds a unique place in basketball’s past, representing the excitement of the Virginia Squires ABA years. Known for producing stars like Julius Erving and George Gervin, Virginia Squires basketball brought fast-paced action and innovation to fans across the state, leaving a lasting legacy despite the franchise’s brief time in professional basketball.
Established
1967
City
Oakland – Washington D.C. – Norfolk
League History
1967 – 1976 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1970 – 1976 / Virginia Squires
1969 – 1970 / Washington Caps
1967 – 1969 / Oakland Oaks
Nickname
Squires – The Virginia Squires were an American Basketball Association (ABA) team from 1970 to 1976. The franchise was based in Norfolk, Virginia, and “Squires” is a nod to the state’s rich history. It references the English term for a young man of noble birth who served as an attendant or apprentice to a knight during medieval times; back then, knights would often choose their squire from among their family members or close friends.
Virginia Squires Origin
The nickname also pays homage to another essential part of the Virginian culture: its colonial roots. During this period in America's past, many wealthy landowners would have male servants called "squires" who worked on their estates and performed various duties such as tending horses and assisting with hunting trips. These men had significant roles within early Virginian society. Hence, it makes sense why they chose this moniker when naming their basketball team – it was meant to honor traditional chivalry and local heritage at once!
It's no surprise that fans of the ABA are still proud supporters today, given how much meaning is behind Virginia Squires history and this beloved nickname! Whether you're cheering for your favorite player at home games or watching them compete against rival teams across the country - make sure you love these brave knights-in-training by wearing your own Squire jersey with pride!
Championship
ABA Championships 0
1969
Arena
*Virginia*
1971 – 1976 / Norfolk Scope
1970 – 1976 / Hampton Coliseum
1970 – 1976 / Richmond Coliseum
1971 – 1976 / Roanoke Civic Center
*Washington D.C.*
1969 – 1970 / Washington Coliseum
*Oakland*
1967 – 1969 / Oakland Arena
Owner
1970 – 1976 / Earl Foreman
1967 – 1969 / Pat Boone
- 1970
- 1976
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Pressured to Change Location – Virginia Squires
Merger talks with the NBA were already underway, but a major stumbling block was the presence of the Caps in Washington. Baltimore Bullets owner Abe Pollin wanted to move his team to Washington but did not want the Caps there. The other ABA owners persuaded Foreman to move the Caps for the second time in as many seasons. Foreman decided ... -
Financial Problem – Squires Cancelled
While the trades may have provided enough short-term financing to keep the Squires in business, the loss of so much talent angered the fans. The Squires’ attendance fell through the floor and never recovered. The Squires’ final two seasons in the ABA were forgettable as losses mounted and popular coach Al Bianchi was fired. The 1974 – 1975 and 1975 ...
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.
Virginia Squires History
The Virginia Squires, originally known as the Washington Caps, were a professional basketball team that competed in the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1970 until 1976. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, the Virginia Squires basketball team became known for their exciting, fast-paced style and their ability to develop some of the league’s most iconic players. The franchise played a vital role in shaping the Virginia Squires ABA legacy during a time when basketball was evolving rapidly in the United States.
During their six-season run in Virginia Squires history, the team reached the playoffs five times, with their strongest performance coming in 1975. That year, they won 50 games and advanced deep into the postseason before being defeated by the Kentucky Colonels. Their dynamic offense and young roster made the Virginia Squires basketball team one of the most entertaining franchises in the ABA, consistently drawing strong support across Virginia’s cities.
The Virginia Squires ABA roster was stacked with some of basketball’s greatest future legends. Julius Erving, George Gervin, Charlie Scott, and Moses Malone all wore the Squires jersey at some point in their careers. These stars not only boosted the team’s performance but also elevated the entire ABA’s popularity. The team claimed four division titles in six years and became one of only two ABA teams—along with the Kentucky Colonels—to record 50 or more wins in three straight seasons between 1974 and 1976.
However, despite their success on the court, financial problems continuously haunted the Virginia Squires basketball organization. Frequent ownership changes, unstable management, and declining attendance caused growing instability. By 1976, just before the ABA–NBA merger, the Virginia Squires ABA franchise was forced to fold, ending a significant chapter in basketball history.
Squires Achievements
1975 Playoff Run
One of the team’s most memorable achievements came during the 1975 season when the Virginia Squires won 50 games and reached the playoffs. Led by young stars like Julius Erving and George Gervin, the Virginia Squires basketball team showcased remarkable resilience, earning respect as one of the strongest teams in the Virginia Squires ABA era.
Even though the Virginia Squires eventually disbanded, their influence on professional basketball continues today. The stars who once played for them went on to shape modern basketball, making the Virginia Squires history a proud and unforgettable part of the ABA’s legacy.
Coaches
1975 – 1976 / Bill Musselman
1970 – 1975 / Al Bianchi
1968 – 1969 / Alex Hannum
1967 – 1968 / Bruce Hale
*Blue is this team’s history