Indianapolis, IN. The original American Basketball Association (ABA) left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. It changed professional basketball bringing it on a par with Major League Baseball and the National Football League with an incredible group of players, including Dr. J, George Gervin, Rick Barry, Spencer Haywood, Connie Hawkins, Roger Brown and among them the extraordinary center of the Indiana Pacers, Mel Daniels.

So it is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Mel Daniels, as good a man off the court as on the court. “This is very personal as Mel was one of the first players signed by Dick Tinkham, one of the co-founders of the original ABA and co-founders of the original Indiana Pacers,” said Joe Newman. “Mel was the hub of the great Indiana Pacer teams – surrounded by talented players like Roger Brown, Bob Netolicky, Freddie Lewis, Billy Keller, Rick Mount, George McGinnis and others. Without Mel, it is doubtful that the Indiana Pacers would have won the Championships they did and gone into the NBA. Dick Tinkham is also the co-founder of the current ABA and help sustain the link between the two leagues. Long after Mel retired as an active player, he has continued to be an important part of the Indianapolis community, well respected, loved by all who knew him. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to his family.” For more information, visit www.americanbasketballassociation.orgor www.abaliveaction.com.