List_of_Eastern_Basketball_Association_seasons

List of Eastern Basketball Association seasons

List of Eastern Basketball Association seasons

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The Eastern Basketball Association was a professional basketball league based in the United States. The league began in 1946 and was known as the Eastern Pennsylvania Basketball League. After one season the league changed its name to the Eastern Professional Basketball League. In 1979, the league changed its name again to the Continental Basketball Association.

Eastern Pennsylvania Basketball League / Eastern Professional Basketball League (1946–1970)

1946–47 season

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Regular season standings
Postseason
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Wilkes-Barre Barons 2
3 Reading Keys 0
1 Wilkes-Barre Barons 2
2 Lancaster Red Roses 1
2 Lancaster Red Roses 2
4 Hazleton Mountaineers 0
League map
Locations EPBL teams during the 1946–47 season
Notes

1947–48 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Postseason
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Pottsville Packers 1
3 Hazleton Mountaineers 2
3 Hazleton Mountaineers 1
2 Reading Keys 2
2 Reading Keys 2
4 Lancaster Red Roses 1
League map
Locations EPBL teams during the 1947–48 season

1948–49 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Postseason
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Williamsport Billies 1
3 Pottsville Packers 2
3 Pottsville Packers 1
4 Harrisburg Senators 2
2 Reading Keys 1
4 Harrisburg Senators 2
League map
List of Eastern Basketball Association seasons is located in Pennsylvania
Packers
Packers
Keys
Keys
Mercuries
Mercuries
Victory A.C.
Victory A.C.
Locations EPBL teams during the 1948–49 season

1949–1950 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Postseason
First Place Playoff
   
Williamsport Billies 90
Lancaster Rockets 87
Semifinals EPBL Championship Series
      
1 Williamsport Billies 2
3 Pottsville Packers 1
1 Williamsport Billies 2
3 Harrisburg Caps 1
2 Lancaster Rockets 1
3 Harrisburg Caps 2
League map
List of Eastern Basketball Association seasons is located in Pennsylvania
Packers
Packers
Rangers
Rangers
Mercuries
Mercuries
Victory A.C.
Victory A.C.
Locations EPBL teams during the 1949–1950 season

1950–51 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Postseason
EPBL Regular Season Championship Game
   
1 Sunbury Mercuries 80
1 York Victory A.C. 75
Semifinals EPBL Championship Series
      
1 Sunbury Mercuries 2
2 Williamsport Billies 1
1 Sunbury Mercuries 2
1 York Victory A.C. 0
1 York Victory A.C. 2
2 Lancaster Rockets 0
League map
List of Eastern Basketball Association seasons is located in Pennsylvania
Rangers
Rangers
Mercuries
Mercuries
Professionals
Professionals
Locations EPBL teams during the 1949–1950 season

1951–52 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Postseason
Semifinals EPBL Championship Series
      
1 Pottsville Packers 2
3 Williamsport Billies 0
1 Pottsville Packers 3
2 Sunbury Mercuries 0
2 Sunbury Mercuries 2
4 Lancaster Rockets 0
League map
List of Eastern Basketball Association seasons is located in Pennsylvania
Greens
Greens
Merchants
Merchants
Mercuries
Mercuries
Cleaners
Cleaners
Locations EPBL teams during the 1951–52 season

1952–53 season

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Regular season standings
Postseason
Semifinals EPBL Championship Series
      
1 Sunbury Mercuries 2
4 Berwick Carbuilders 1
1 Sunbury Mercuries 1
2 Williamsport Billies 2
2 Williamsport Billies 1
3 Lancaster Rockets 0
League map
Locations EPBL teams during the 1952–53 season

1953–54 season

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Regular season standings
Postseason
Semifinals EPBL Championship Series
      
1 Sunbury Mercuries 0
4 Lancaster Red Roses 2
4 Lancaster Red Roses 1
2 Williamsport Billies 2
2 Williamsport Billies 2
3 Hazleton Hawks 1
League map
Locations EPBL teams during the 1953–54 season

1954–55 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Notes
  • William Morgan, the league commissioner since its inception, was succeeded by Harry Rudolph.[2]

1955–56 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
§ New York–Harlem Yankees took over the Trenton Capitols schedule and record after Trenton folded during the season

1956–57 season

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Teams
Regular season standings

1957–58 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Notes and events
  • Two expansion franchises were admitted to the league in September 1957. They were clubs in Reading, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, Delaware which would become the Reading Keys and Wilmington Jets, respectively.[3]
  • Harry Rudolph was elected league president in September 1957. Barry Sherman was elected secretary and public relations director. Elected members of the board of governors were Clem Palevitch, Richard Smith and Jack Agnor.[3]

1958–59 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Notes and events
  • League president Harry Rudolph announced that Bill Spivey of the Wilkes-Barre team was fined $10 for fighting during a game. It was Spivey's second fine of the season and Rudolph said if another incident occurred it would result in a suspension.[4]

1959–1960 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Notes and events
  • During the offseason before the 1959–1960 season, the league announced their collegiate draft was postponed so the league could vote on an expansion franchise from Baltimore, Maryland (which became the Baltimore Bullets).[5]
  • In January 1960, the league announced it had scrapped a rule permitting National Basketball Association (NBA) teams only one option per season on players. This rule would allow NBA team to call-up and send down players as much as they wished.[6]

1960–61 season

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Regular season standings
Notes and events
  • The league held its annual preseason meeting on June 13, 1960 where league president Harry Rudolph was re-elected to a two-year term. He was also elected treasurer of the league. Ray Saul was re-elected as public relations director and secretary.[7]
  • EPBL president Harry Rudolph announced plans to file a $1,000,000 defamation of character lawsuit against National Football League (NFL) commissioner Pete Rozelle for saying, "several players in the Eastern Basketball [League] were accused of gambling on games involving teams for which they formerly played." The comment was about Rozelle's decision to bar NFL player Gene Lipscomb from joining the EPBL Baltimore Bullets.[8]

1961–62 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Notes and events
  • At the league's annual meeting during the offseason before the 1961–62 season a proposal to relocate the Baltimore franchise to New England was to be proposed. The potential move would have been to either Bridgeport or Milton, Connecticut as facilitated by the prospective owner, Herb Kables.[9] The proposal was ultimately rejected.[10]
  • The league postponed its collegiate draft due to the 1961 NCAA University Division men's basketball gambling scandal.[10]
  • Rules were adopted before the 1961–62 season to mirror the rules of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[10]
  • The Allentown Jets announced they had signed Andrew "Fuzzy" Levane to a one-year contract as coach in September 1961.[11]
  • In October 1961, the EPBL passed a resolution that would give a lifetime ban to any player who left an EPBL team for another league. The rule came in response to players who left the league the fledgling American Basketball League (ABL).[12]
  • In December 1961, a "State Basketball Championship" for Pennsylvania was proposed by Pittsburgh Rens owner Lenny Litman between his ABL team, the NBA Philadelphia Warriors and the EPBL Sunbury Mercuries.[13]
  • EPBL president Harry Rudolph announced that the Camden franchise had been fined $150 for failing to have the required seven players in uniform for a game on January 27, 1962 in which Camden lost to Williamsport 153–126. According to the Associated Press several Camden players were delayed by car trouble forcing the team to play with six players.[14]
  • EPBL president Harry Rudolph announced that Trenton Colonials coach Harry Landa had been fined for pushing a referee during a game on February 3, 1962. According to Rudolph, if Landa failed to pay the fine he would be suspended for the remainder of the season. [15]

1962–63 season

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Regular season standings
Notes and events
  • During the offseason before the 1962–63 season, the EPBL considered admitting two new franchises in Philadelphia and Carbondale, Pennsylvania/[16] The Philadelphia franchise was not approved as the team's owners could not find a suitable venue. The Carbondale franchise was admitted to the league, but that deal was eventually voided when team owners failed to meet their financial obligations according to league president Harry Rudolph.[17][18]
  • In November 1962, after the American Basketball League (ABL) folded, EPBL president Harry Rudolph announced that players who were banned for leaving their EPBL teams for the ABL could apply for re-admittance to the league if they wrote a letter to the league president with $25 as payment for a fine. Players affected by the ban were: Hal Lear, David Gunther, Hershel Thurner, Kelly Coleman and Spike Gibson.[19]
  • In April 1963, EPBL president Harry Rudolph announced that Camden Bullets player Tom Hoover was fined $100 and suspended for four games following a physical altercation with referee Jim Armstong.[20]

1963–64 season

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Regular season standings
Notes and events
  • During the offseason before the 1963–64, the Wilmington Blue Bombers of Wilmington, Delaware were admitted into the league. The league also announced it had abolished its territorial draft.[21]
  • The Wilmington Blue Bombers announced they had hired Alexander Severance as coach during the offseason before the 1963–64 season.[22]
  • In October 1963, the Camden Bullets announced that Charles "Buddy" Donnelly was hired as coach.[23]

1964–65 season

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Regular season standings
Notes and events
  • EPBL president Harry Rudolph was re-elected to a two-year term during the offseason before the 1964–65 season. The league also re-elected Ray Saul as secretary. David Waters was newly elected to the position of vice president. Hal Simon, Spike Shandelman and Arthur Pachter were elected to the board of governors.[24]
  • In June 1964, the EPBL held its annual collegiate draft in Allentown, Pennsylvania.[25]
  • Before the 1964–65 season, the EPBL established a three-point field goal from 25 feet away from the basket.[26]
  • Brendan McCann replaced Pete Monska as the Allentown Jets' head coach during the offseason before the 1964–65 season.[27]

1965–66 season

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Teams
Regular season standings

1966–67 season

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Teams
Regular season standings

1967–68 season

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Teams
Regular season standings

1968–69 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
§ Springfield Hall of Famers folded midseason

1969–1970 season

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Eastern Basketball Association (1970–78)

1970–71 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Postseason
Division Semifinals Division Finals EBA Championship Series
1 Hamden Bics 2
2 Hartford Capitols 2 2 Hartford Capitols 1
3 Camden Bullets 0 1 Hamden Bics 3
1 Scranton Apollos 1
1 Scranton Apollos 2
2 Allentown Jets 2 2 Allentown Jets 1
3 Sunbury Mercuries 1
League map
Locations of EBA teams during the 1970–71 season
Notes
  • William J. Montzman is named the commissioner of the league, making him the third person to serve in that capacity. He succeeded Harry Rudolph, who was commissioner since 1955.[2]
ABA and NBA affiliations

1971–72 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Postseason
EBA Semifinals EBA Championship Series
      
1 Allentown Jets 2
4 Trenton Pat Pavers 0
1 Allentown Jets 3
2 Scranton Apollos 2
2 Scranton Apollos 2
3 Hartford Capitols 1
League map
Locations of EBA teams during the 1971–72 season
ABA and NBA affiliations

1972–73 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
League map
Bics
Bics
Hazleton
Hazleton
Colonials
Colonials
Hamburg
Hamburg
Locations of EBA teams during the 1972–73 season

1973–74 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
Notes
  • The East Orange Colonials (originally the Garden State Colonials) were owned by author Larry Armour and his 14 year-old son, Andy Armour, who was the youngest team owner in EBA history. The Colonials had a working agreement with three NBA teams: the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Golden State Warriors and the Detroit Pistons.[29]

1974–75 season

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Regular season standings

1975–76 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
§ Gold Coast disbanded midseason
ABA and NBA affiliations

1976–77 season

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Teams
Regular season standings
§ Syracuse Centennials folded midseason
Timeline
NBA affiliations

1977–78 season

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Regular season standings
Postseason
Quarterfinals Semifinals EBA Championship Series
1 Jersey Shore Bullets 1
2 Wilkes-Barre Barons 2 2 Wilkes-Barre Barons 3
3 Quincy Chiefs 0 2 Wilkes-Barre Barons 3
3 Lancaster Red Roses 2
1 Anchorage N. Knights 2
2 Long Island Ducks 0 3 Lancaster Red Roses 3
3 Lancaster Red Roses 2
League map
Locations of EBA teams during the 1977–78 season
Locations of EBA teams during the 1977–78 season
NBA affiliations

References

  1. "Pottsville to Play First League Game". The Plain Speaker. Hazelton, Pennsylvania. 26 December 1946. p. 17. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  2. Keatly, Don (11 December 1970). "On the Sports Front; Barons Lone Original Franchise As EBA Observes Silver Jubilee". Wilkes-Barre Times Leader. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  3. "EBL Adds Two Teams". Chester Times. Chester, Philadelphia. Associated Press. September 16, 1957. p. 17.
  4. "Spivey Fined $10 for Fight". Chester Times. Chester, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. February 14, 1959. p. 16.
  5. "Draft Postponed". Chester Times. Chester, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. August 5, 1959. p. 19.
  6. "Eastern League Changes Rules". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. January 7, 1960. p. 25.
  7. "Eastern League Sets Opening". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. June 14, 1960. p. 16.
  8. "Lipscomb ruled out". The Cuero Record. Cuero, Texas. United Press International. January 22, 1961. p. 2.
  9. "EBL to Vote on Baltimore Sale". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. May 15, 1961. p. 16.
  10. "Eastern League Rejects Transfers". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. June 7, 1961. p. 27.
  11. "Levane to Coach Jets". The New York Times. New York, New York: The New York Times Company. Associated Press. September 20, 1961. p. 32.
  12. "Eastern League Plans Lifetime Ban". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. October 24, 1961. p. 20.
  13. "Rens Seek Tribe Tilt". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. January 22, 1961. p. 24.
  14. "Camden Club Hit With Fine". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. January 29, 1962. p. 19.
  15. "Pushes Ref, Coach Fined". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. February 12, 1962. p. 13.
  16. "EBL Will Act". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. August 1, 1962. p. 22.
  17. "Carbondale May Get Franchise". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. August 9, 1962. p. 23.
  18. "Carbondale Out of EBL Picture". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. August 17, 1962. p. 23.
  19. "E.B.L. to Readmit Players Who Joined Rival League". The New York Times. New York, New York: The New York Times Company. Associated Press. November 9, 1962. p. 56.
  20. "Hoover Fined, Suspended". The Cuero Record. No. 69.78. Cuero, Texas. United Press International. April 2, 1963. p. 3.
  21. "Wilmington Gets EBL Franchise". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. May 7, 1963. p. 42.
  22. "Bombers Name Al Severance". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. May 27, 1963. p. 56.
  23. "Camden Five Names Donnelly". The New York Times. New York, New York: The New York Times Company. Associated Press. October 10, 1963. p. 52.
  24. "EBL re-elects Harry Rudolph". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. May 7, 1964. p. 27.
  25. "Draft Slated". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. June 1, 1964. p. 17.
  26. "EBL Drafts Courtin". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. June 2, 1964. p. 15.
  27. "Allentown Picks Brendan McCann". Delaware County Daily Times. Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Associated Press. June 27, 1964. p. 18.
  28. Peltz, Bob (14 August 1971). "Caps' New Brass Introduced at Press Event". Hartford Courant. Hartford, Connecticut. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  29. Richman, Milton (19 September 1973). "But at 14, he doesn't look like club owner". Greensburg Daily News. Greebsburg, Indiana. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  30. Mones, Jim (20 December 1975). "Garor Bowl will have local flavor". The Daily Item. Port Chester, New York. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  31. Jordan, Jack (5 November 1975). "Apollos Pick Criss and Rackley". The Times-Tribune. Scranton, Pennsylvania. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  32. Holdridge, Mike (26 October 1976). "Worst Kept Secret Revealed; Syracuse Joins Cage League". Syracuse Post Standard. Syracuse, New York. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  33. "Novak returns to Apollos". The Times Tribune. Scranton, Pennsylvania. 17 October 1976. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  34. "The Seven EBA Teams". The Post-Standard. Syracuse, New York. 4 December 1976. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  35. "EBA strikes gold". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 10 February 1978. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  36. Haskel, Bob (21 February 1978). "Pro basketball envisioned for Bangor". The Bangor Daily News. Bangor, Maine. Retrieved 12 April 2022.

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