1973–74 Kentucky Colonels season
| 1973–74 Kentucky Colonels season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Babe McCarthy |
| Arena | Freedom Hall |
| Results | |
| Record | 53–31 (.631) |
| Place |
Division: 2nd (Eastern) Conference: 2nd |
| Playoff finish | Lost in the Eastern Division Finals |
The 1973–74 Kentucky Colonels season was their seventh in the American Basketball Association. The Colonels finished in second place in the ABA's Eastern Division. They met the Carolina Cougars in the Eastern Division Semifinals and swept them in 4 games. They met the eventual champion New York Nets in the Eastern Division Finals, where they lost. McCarthy was let go after this season.
On July 31, 1973, the Kentucky Colonels were bought by future Governor of Kentucky John Y. Brown, Jr. and other investors. Famed college coach Adolph Rupp was hired as Vice President of the Board. General Manager Mike Storen resigned and was replaced by Gene Rhodes. Head coach Joe Mullaney left the team in order to become head coach of the Utah Stars and Babe McCarthy was hired as Mullaney's replacement.
Like most ABA teams, the Colonels played several preseason exhibition games against NBA opponents. The first for the 1973–74 preseason came on September 21, 1973, on the Colonels' home court at Freedom Hall in Louisville against the Houston Rockets. Rudy Tomjanovich scored 32 points for the Bulls. Center Artis Gilmore had 22 points and 18 rebounds for the Colonels; his teammate, forward Dan Issel, scored 20. The Colonels won, 110-102.
The next night the Colonels hosted the Kansas City–Omaha Kings. Rick Mount scored 21 points for the Kings; his teammate Nate Archibald scored 19. Guard Louie Dampier led the Colonels with 22 points and Kentucky won 110-99.
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