Continental Basketball Association (1969-1974)

Background

This Upper Midwest-based minor basketball league operated from 1969 until 1974. This version of the Continental Basketball Association is not to be confused with the later CBA that operated from 1978 until 2009 and served as the NBA’s official developmental league throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s.

The league’s great success story was future Hall-of-Famer George Gervin. The Ice Man, who went by the rather less iconic nickname of “Twiggy” during his brief tour of duty in the Continental Basketball Association, got his professional start with the CBA’s Pontiac Capparrells during the 1972-73 season after leaving Eastern Michigan University. He played only briefly in the league before leaving for the ABA’s San Antonio Spurs the season.

Continental Basketball Association Franchise List

[etable]

Franchise, Years Active, CBA Champions

Beloit Bucks, 1971-1972, None

Chicago Sons, 1973-1974, None

Cudahy Medalist Mods, 1969-1970, 1970 (as Waukesha Medalist Mods)

Decatur Bullets, 1969-1973, None

Flint Pros, 1972-1973, None

Grand Rapids Tackers, 1969-1974, 1973-1974

Lake County Lakers, 1971-1973, None

Milwaukee Muskies, 1970-1971, None

Northwest Chicago Travelers, 1970-1971, None

Oakland Capparrells, 1973-1974, None

Peoria Chiefs, 1969-1971, None

Pontiac Capparrells, 1972-1973, None

Rockford Rockets, 1972-1973, None

Rockford Royals, 1969-1972, 1971

Toledo Pipers, 1973-1974, None

Waukegan Wizards, 1969-1971, None

Waukesha Medalist Mods, 1970, 1970

Waukesha Pros, 1970-1971, None

[/etable]

##