Anaheim Amigos

The Anaheim Amigos/Los Angeles Stars/Utah Stars were a charter member American Basketball Association (ABA) team based in Southern California. They were the Amigos during their first season in Anaheim and later moved to Los Angeles to become the Stars. The team existed from 1967 to 1976. In 1970, it moved from southern California to Utah.

"Los Angeles Stars" redirects here. For the team in the new ABA in 2000–2001, see Los Angeles Stars (2000–2001). For the 2004–2005 team, see Los Angeles Stars (2004–2005).
Anaheim Amigos
Los Angeles Stars
Utah Stars
ConferenceNone
DivisionWestern Division
Founded1967
HistoryAnaheim Amigos
1967–1968
Los Angeles Stars
1968–1970
Utah Stars
1970–1976
ArenaAnaheim Convention Center
L.A. Memorial Sports Arena
LocationAnaheim, California
Los Angeles, California
Team colorsBlack and orange (1967–68)
   
Scarlet, white and blue (1968–70)      
Head coachAl Brightman (1967)
Harry Dinnel (1967–68)
OwnershipArt Kim (1967–68)
James Ackerman (1967–68)
James J. Kirst (1968–70)

The Amigos were the first professional team in any sport to bill themselves as representing the city of Anaheim, and were the only team to do so until the National Hockey League's Mighty Ducks of Anaheim began play in 1993. The California Angels of Major League Baseball played at Anaheim Stadium during the Amigos' existence, but they would not use "Anaheim" in their name until 1997.

Franchise history

Origins

With the founding of the ABA on February 2, 1967, a charter franchise in Anaheim, California was awarded to Art Kim and James Ackerman for $30,000.[1] A 'name the team' contest resulted in the Amigos name. The team played most of its home games at the Anaheim Convention Center. Five home games were scheduled elsewhere in California and three home games were scheduled in Honolulu, Hawaii. Al Brightman was the first head coach. [2]

1967–68 season

The Amigos' roster was highlighted by guards Les Selvage, Jeff Congdon and Steve Chubin, former NBA player Ben Warley and 7 foot center Larry Bunce. Chubin led the team in scoring and assists and was a fan favorite. Selvage led the league in three-point field goal attempts. Warley led the team in rebounds and was an effective outside shooter. Congdon played well but was traded in mid-season to the Denver Rockets for Willis Thomas. Bunce did not live up to expectations despite his height, but played in the 1968 ABA All-Star Game, as did Warley.

The Amigos were not successful on the court. They lost their first five games, including the first ever ABA game, a 134–129 loss to the Oakland Oaks on the road. After losing two thirds of their first 36 games Brightman was fired and replaced as head coach by Harry Dinnel. During the season the Amigos lost eight straight games in one stretch and had two other stretches of six losses each. The team finished the season with 25 wins and 53 losses, good for fifth place in Western Division but not good enough to make the playoffs.[2]

Move to Los Angeles

The Amigos were not successful off the court either. They averaged 1,293 fans per home game and their games were broadcast on radio and sometimes on television. However, they lost approximately $500,000 on the season and were sold for $450,000 to James J. Kirst who moved the team to nearby Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena for two seasons, where they became the Stars.

Move to Salt Lake City, Utah

After the 1969–70 season, the franchise once again relocated, this time to Salt Lake City, and became the Utah Stars.

Season-by-season

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, % = Win–Loss %

SeasonWL%PlayoffsResults
Anaheim Amigos
1967–682553.321
Los Angeles Stars
1968–693345.423
1969–704341.512Won Division Semifinals
Won Semifinals
Lost ABA Finals		Los Angeles 4, Dallas 2
Los Angeles 4, Denver 1
Indiana 4, Los Angeles 2

References
  1. Anaheim Amigos/Utah Stars Year-to-Year Rosters Archived 2009-02-23 at the Wayback Machine. Remember the ABA. Retrieved on 2013-09-06.
  2. Anaheim Amigos/Los Angeles Stars/Utah Stars Year-by-Year Notes. Remember the ABA (1975-12-02). Retrieved on 2013-09-06.
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