- 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 ...
History of the Squires
The Virginia Squires were an American Basketball Association (ABA) team from 1970 to 1976. The team was based in Norfolk, Virginia, and had a rich history of success in the ABA. The Squires reached the playoffs five times, with their best season coming in 1975 when they won 50 games and made it to the ABA Finals before losing to eventual champions Kentucky Colonels.
The Virginia Squires featured some of basketball's greatest stars, including Julius Erving, George Gervin, Charlie Scott, and Moses Malone, who all played for them during their tenure in Norfolk. These players helped lead the squad to four division titles over six seasons and become one of only two teams ever (the other being Kentucky)to win 50 or more games three straight years between 1974-76.
Despite this high level of success on the court, however, off-court issues led by financial difficulties saw ownership change hands several times throughout its existence, which ultimately caused its disbandment following the 1976 season but not before leaving lasting memories within sports fans around the world who still fondly remember this great franchise today!
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.
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 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
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
1975 – 1976 / Bill Musselman
1970 – 1975 / Al Bianchi
1968 – 1969 / Alex Hannum
1967 – 1968 / Bruce Hale
*Blue is this team’s history