Click image to watch ESPN Films: 30 for 30 “Free Spirits” video
During the 1960’s and 1970’s the American Basketball Association known as the ABA featured some of the most prominent players in basketball ever in the likes of Julius Erving, George Gervin, and Rick Barry among others. Before its disband in 1976 where the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs would leave to join the NBA, the ABA was known for its high entertainment value that would actually give the NBA some legitimate competition before players started leaving.
In the Daniel Forer-directed film “Free Spirits” presented by ESPN, we’re granted a look into the ABA league through their 30 for 30 episodes. One of the teams that failed to make it to the NBA was the Spirits of St. Louis. After the jump, you can watch the full story from the Silna brothers (Daniel and Ozzie) owning Spirits of St. Louis basketball team that would see a rapid rise to fame, but an even faster demise within its 2 year span.
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