Popular point guard Louie Dampier spurned a fourth round draft selection by the NBA's Cincinnati Royals in 1967 to sign with the Kentucky Colonels of the newly formed ABA. The two-time consensus NCAA All-American out of the University of Kentucky opted to stay local and spent nine seasons with the Colonels until the league merged with the NBA in 1976. He was one of just two players to play the ABA's entire existence with the same team, averaging 18.9 PPG and 5.6 APG, winning a championship with the Colonels in 1975 and earning seven ABA All-Star selections. The ABA was known not only for its up-tempo, flashy style of play, but also for the funky graphics and radical uniforms sported by its teams. This Kentucky Colonels full uniform worn by Dampier is a classic example. Displaying unique typography, it is one of the more visually pleasing sports jerseys of the 1970s.

The blue jersey has “KENTUCKY” across the chest above Dampier’s number “10” in white tackle twill. The neck and arm openings and sides are trimmed in white. A Rawlings size 40 label is sewn inside the jersey along with a cleaning instructions tag. The back has “DAMPIER” arched above his number “10” in white tackle twill. The jersey exhibits solid game use with light toning from age and some loose threads throughout. The tackle twill graphics display some slight puckering from repeated laundering. The jersey is accompanied by the original trunks in Kentucky blue with white waistband and side stripes. The waistband has a Rawlings size 32 label along with a blue strip tag with a “5” in white chain stitching. Dampier’s number “10” is handwritten in black marker on the laundering instruction label. Louie Dampier has signed the “1” on the back of the jersey in black permanent marker, completing this outstanding ABA uni. One of the finer ABA exemplars you will find in the hobby. Autograph certified by Beckett.