This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/1/2011.
In the fall of 1973, pro basketball fans heard the news about Wilt Chamberlain’s defection from the Lakers of the NBA to the San Diego Conquistadors, and wondered whether he would actually play in the ABA. Many writers felt that with Wilt in the middle, the Q's would contend for the Western Division title, and possibly the ABA championship. In the first few weeks of the 1973-74 season, the courts made all of this speculation meaningless. Wilt was prevented from playing, and was only allowed to coach. In September 1974, San Diego Conquistadors players stood in a row until summoned, one by one, to dribble down the lane to their doom, to where Coach Wilt Chamberlain was waiting. With little apparent effort, Chamberlain rejected their pitifully human lay-ups, fly-swatting them to various distant parts of the USD gym. Wilt was letting them know who was boss. Chamberlain was the coach of the Q’s for one season, 1973-74. His only role with the team was a coaching role which included playing in team scrimmages. This jersey originates from the collection of the Q’s former trainer. It is the only one we have ever seen. Inside the left rear tail is the “Rawlings” manufacturer’s tag with wash instructions and jersey size “44”. Across the front is “SAN DIEGO”. Number “13” appears on both the front and back. Across the back is “CHAMBERLAIN”. All numbers and letters are done in white on red tackle twill. The jersey shows wear and appears to have no alterations of any kind. Accompanied by a LOA from the Q’s former trainer.