Cincinnatus "Cincy" Powell was selected by the St. Louis Hawks in the 8th round of the 1965 NBA draft out of the University of Portland. The 6' 7" forward did not make the Hawks' roster, so he ended up playing for the Battle Creek (Michigan) Braves in the short-lived NABL (North American Basketball League). Several former NBA and ABA hoopsters also played in the NABL during its 1964-68 run, including Gary Bradds, Bill Buntin, Boo Ellis, Les Hunter, Freddie Lewis, Lonnie Lynn, Bill McGill, Nick Mantis and Tom Thacker. After his lone 1966-67 season in the NABL, Powell was signed by the ABA’s Dallas Chaparrals. He averaged 18.3 points and nine rebounds in his first season with the Chaparrals and made two ABA All-Star teams. Powell also spent time with the Kentucky Colonels, Utah Stars and Virginia Squires, ending his ABA career in 1975 with 9,746 points.

Offered here is a super rare Cincy Powell game-worn 1966-67 Battle Creek Braves jersey made of vintage white dureen and satin-like material. The team name “BRAVES” is sewn in dark blue on gold twill on the front. His uniform number “34” is sewn in dark blue on gold twill on the front and back. The collar and armpit areas feature gold, white and blue ribbing. The manufacturers tag of “Jack Pearl’s Sport Center Battle Creek, Michigan” has been stitched into the left rear tail. On the lower right interior of the jersey is the Holloway washing instructions and size 44 tag. The jersey shows solid evidence of game wear and the home style matches local news pictures from that era. This is the first NABL jersey that we’ve ever offered at auction and hails from a notable player to boot.