This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2021
Grade A10 by MEARS Authentication. The offered Kentucky Colonels home jersey was worn by Artis Gilmore for both the 1974-75 and 1975-76 season, which included the 1975 ABA Finals. In a detail of a photo taken of Gilmore in a game on December 2, 1975 against the Spirits of St. Louis, the offered jersey can be matched in several areas around the "Colonels" lettering (See photo at right).
Because the Colonels used the same style jersey for two seasons, it follows that this jersey was one of the two used by Gilmore in the 1975 Finals the previous spring. In that five game series that the Colonels won 4-1 over the Indiana Pacers, Gilmore averaged 25 points and 21, and was named Most Valuable Player of the 1975 ABA Playoffs. Gilmore scored 28 points and grabbed 31 rebounds in the final game of the Finals, and in Game 3 in Indianapolis Gilmore scored 41 points and nabbed 28 rebounds. Monster numbers that contributed to the offered jersey showing such heavy game use! Also included are photos of Gilmore in the 1975 ABA Finals and other regular season games in the 1975-76 campaign. The jersey is accompanied by a Letter of Opinion from MEARS Authentication. On the letter, the offered jersey received the firm's highest grade of A10 "with respect to Characteristics & Game Use." Excellent to Mint condition with heavy use.