1971–72 Kentucky Colonels season

The 1971–72 Kentucky Colonels season was the fifth season of the Colonels in the American Basketball Association. The Colonels won 68 games on the season, en route to their first ever Division title, led by Issel and rookie Artis Gilmore, who like Issel signed a 10 years and $1.5 million contract. Gilmore won both ABA Rookie of the Year and ABA Most Valuable Player, averaging 23.8 points and 17.8 rebounds per game. However the Colonels were upset in 6 games by the New York Nets in the Division Semifinals. Notably, the Colonels played the Baltimore Bullets in the 2nd ever exhibition ABA vs. NBA game on September 22, 1971, in Louisville, Kentucky, winning 111–85.

Roster

 * 35 Darel Carrier – Shooting guard
 * 10 Louie Dampier – Point guard
 * 32 Mike Gale – Shooting guard
 * 53 Artis Gilmore – Center
 * 4 Les Hunter – Power forward
 * 44 Dan Issel – Center
 * 22 Goose Ligon – Power forward
 * 3 Jim O'Brien – Point guard
 * 9 Cincy Powell – Small forward
 * 33 Mike Pratt – Shooting guard
 * 15/30 Pierre Russell – Shooting guard
 * 2 Walt Simon – Small forward
 * 3/45 Howie Wright – Shooting guard

Playoffs
Eastern Division Semifinals Colonels lose series, 4–2

Awards and honors
1972 ABA All-Star Game selections (game played on January 29, 1972, in Louisville, Kentucky) Mullaney was selected to coach the Eastern Conference.
 * Dan Issel (named MVP of the game)
 * Louie Dampier
 * Artis Gilmore


 * ABA Most Valuable Player Award: Artis Gilmore
 * Rookie of the Year: Artis Gilmore
 * All ABA-First Team selections
 * Dan Issel
 * Artis Gilmore
 * All ABA-Rookie Team selections
 * Artis Gilmore