1970–71 Kentucky Colonels season

The 1970–71 Kentucky Colonels season was the fourth season of the Colonels in the American Basketball Association. University of Kentucky star Dan Issel was signed by the Colonels. Issel was given a 10-year contract worth $1.4 million, while playing all but one game in the whole season, leading to him being named Rookie of the Year, alongside averaging 29.9 points and 13.2 rebounds per game during the season. Despite a 10–5 record, Rhodes was fired during the season. After having business manager Alex Groza coach the team for 2 games, Frank Ramsey was hired to coach the rest of the season. In the Semifinals, the Colonels beat The Floridians 4 games to 2. In the Eastern Division Finals, they beat the Virginia Squires 4 games to 2. In the ABA Finals, they lost to the Utah Stars in seven games.

Roster

 * 35 Darel Carrier – Shooting guard
 * 25 Bobby Croft – Center
 * 10 Louie Dampier – Point guard
 * 32 Tom Hagan – Guard
 * 4 Dennis Hamilton – Power forward
 * 8 Dan Hester – Center
 * 4 Les Hunter – Power forward
 * 44 Dan Issel – Center
 * 22 Goose Ligon – Power forward
 * 9/24 Cincy Powell – Small forward
 * 33/54 Mike Pratt – Shooting guard
 * 2 Walt Simon – Small forward
 * 5/50 Sam Smith – Small forward (ended up with the Stars prior to the end of the season)
 * 42 Al Williams – Forward
 * 3/45 Howie Wright – Shooting guard

Playoffs
Eastern Division Semifinals Colonels win series, 4–2

Eastern Division Finals Colonels win series, 4–2

ABA Finals Colonels lose series, 4–3

Awards and honors
1971 ABA All-Star Game selections (game played on January 23, 1971)
 * Dan Issel
 * Cincy Powell
 * ABA Rookie of the Year
 * Dan Issel (shared with Charlie Scott)
 * ABA All-Second Team
 * Dan Issel (tied with Zelmo Beaty for the Center position)