Legendary 'Virginia Squires' basketball team to be honored in Portsmouth at ceremony next April

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — They made history on and off the basketball court.

And soon, the City of Portsmouth says they will honor a team that helped pave the way for others in the sport.

Hampton Roads once played home to the Virginia Squires of the long-gone American Basketball Association (ABA) in the 1970s. Often credited with revolutionizing the way the game is played, the ABA merged with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1976.

Some of the greatest in the game suited up for the Squires, including Julius “Doctor J” Erving, George “The Iceman" Gervin, Charlie Scott, Jim Eakins, Ray Scott, and Tidewater native and ODU legend David Twardzik, to name a few.

At a news conference in Portsmouth, former players, coaches, and city leaders say they are getting the band together one last time to honor their roles in history.

“We are honored to have them return to Portsmouth, where many started their professional basketball careers. With their accomplishments and performances, the Squires significantly impacted the history of the NBA, the State of Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Portsmouth,” said Shannon Glover, Mayor of Portsmouth in the announcement from the city.

Olympic legends John Carlos and Bob Beaman also took part in the announcement.

The city will partner with a streaming network launched by Norfolk native and actor Tim Reid to host the celebration.

Reid says it’s important to share the stories of these players and their accomplishments.

“When you hear the stories of these young men, and you follow their careers and the things that they went through and the revolutionary spirit that they showed in their lives, that’s more of what young people need to know about,” Reid said.

The ceremony, entitled "Thanks for the Memories," will take place next April at the Rivers Casino.