This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/27/2021.
Artis Gilmore was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011. Gilmore played five seasons in the ABA, being an All-Star in every one, winning the league MVP in 1972 and an ABA Championship in 1975. Gilmore was the first overall selection in the 1976 NBA dispersal draft after the ABA became defunct. The first ever dunk contest was held in 1976 at McNichols Sports Arena during halftime of the 1976 ABA All-Star Game, which Gilmore participated in. This warm-up suit has been photo-matched to the 1975-76 season and also was worn in the dunk contest. Inside the neck is the Rawlings manufacturer’s tag size “40” with washing instructions and an attached tag reading “6” LONGER”. Beautifully embroidered on the left chest reads “1975 ABA CHAMPS” in red chain stitching on white on red tackle twill with the Colonels logo embroidered in red, white and blue on blue tackle twill. Across the back reads the player name “Artis” in white on red tackle twill. Gilmore signed inside the letter “A” in black marker and in our opinion rates an 8. Inside the rear waistband of the shorts and pants is the Rawlings manufacturer’s tag size “32” with washing instructions. Adjacent on both is a blue box tag with the player number “53” embroidered in white chain stitching. Handwritten notations are seen on the pants tag and also feature an attached box tag with handwritten notations. Also included are a pair of socks. This warm-up suit is properly tagged, was presented to us as player-worn and shows wear. You would be hard pressed to find a better Gilmore piece. Accompanied by a Resolution Photo-Match LOA confirming the match, a Gilmore LOA and an ALOA from JSA.