body
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Pipers celebrate their 50 year anniversary as the champions of the inaugural season of the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1967, defeating the New Orleans Buccaneers in a seven game series; and,
WHEREAS, to commemorate the occasion, the Mark Cuban Foundation, in conjunction with author Major Mark Whited and Achieving Greatness, Inc., are hosting a 50 Year Anniversary Reunion of the 1968 Pittsburgh Pipers ABA World Champions on May 4-5 to honor their historic season and recognize their best player, the late great Connie “The Hawk” Hawkins; and,
WHEREAS, the Pipers won their first and only ABA title under coach Vince Cazetta, led by their star player Connie Hawkins, in a team comprised by Craig Dill, Cal Grahm, Ira Harge, Art Hyeman, Bob Hogsett, Jim Jarvis, Arvesta Kelly, Tom Kerwin, Barry Liebowitz, Bill Meyer, Rich Parks, Willie Porter, John Postley, Herchell Turner, Steve Vacendak, Chico Vaughn, Trooper Washington, Dexter Westbrook, Charlie Williams and Leroy Wright; and,
WHEREAS, Connie Hawkins and Chico Vaughn were members of the All-Star team, with Hawkins being named league MVP and leading the league in scoring; and,
WHEREAS, Connie Hawkins would go on to become a four time NBA All-Star with the Phoenix Suns, would be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame, and eventually receive recognition as one of the 50 greatest basketball players of all time; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh wishes to honor and remember the “Forgotten Champions”, saluting the 1967-1968 Pittsburgh Pipers for their historic achievement as world champions of the inaugural ABA season; and,
title
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare April 17, 2018 to be “Pittsburgh Pipers Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.