Remembering The Utah Stars’ ABA Championship 49 Years Ago

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – 49 years ago on Monday, the Utah Stars won the 1971 ABA Championship when they beat the Kentucky Colonels in Salt Lake City.

The Utah Stars were in their first season in the Beehive state in the American Basketball Association when they won the championship. The Stars beat the Colonels in seven games with a 131-121 victory in Game 7 at the Salt Palace.

Zelmo Beaty had 36 points and 16 rebounds in the win. Willie Wise added 22 points and 20 boards.

Ron Boone and Wise caught up with KSL Sports’ Jeremiah Jensen to reflect on that championship back in 1971.

I never like influencing voting but…
The choice is obvious. https://t.co/q9Dk09vzvi pic.twitter.com/Qa19UICKkM

— Matthew L Glade (@matthewLksl) April 29, 2020

“When we won the ball game, I don’t know what happened,” Boone said. “I was so excited I jetted off the floor then I realized that I had to run back on the floor to get into the celebration.”

The Salt Palace didn’t seat that many fans back then but the environment was incredible according to Boone.

“The crowd was unbelievable,” Boone stated. “You are talking about playing at the Salt Palace with 12,000 seats and the crowd was right there on top of you. It was a huge celebration.”

After the championship win, the fans hoisted Willie Wise and Zelmo Beaty.

“I remember clearly,” Wise said. “I don’t remember who hoisted me up but it was Zelmo (Beaty) and I. I think there was a mutual adoration with the fans.”