Step back in time with this authentic Wisconsin Flyers Basketball team t-shirt, celebrating one of the most memorable franchises in Continental Basketball Association history. The Flyers took Wisconsin by storm from 1982-1987, bringing professional minor league basketball excitement to the heart of the Fox Valley region.
The Wisconsin Flyers burst onto the basketball scene in December 1982 as an expansion franchise in the Continental Basketball Association, then the official development league for the NBA. Under their first head coach Dave Harshman, the team struggled in their inaugural 1982-83 season, finishing with a 14-30 record in the CBA's Central Division. Playing most of their home games at various venues throughout the Fox Valley, including Oshkosh North High School Fieldhouse and Kolf Sports Center, the Flyers represented an ambitious attempt to establish professional basketball in Wisconsin.
After their challenging first season, the Flyers underwent significant changes that led to a dramatic turnaround. New head coach Torchy Clark took over the reins, but despite leading the team to their most successful campaign—a 27-17 record that secured a division title—Clark had a falling out with team owner Killian Spanbauer and departed. The 1983-84 Flyers featured an exciting roster that included Jose Slaughter, Greg Jones (who won CBA Rookie of the Year), Steve Lingenfelter (CBA Newcomer of the Year), and Kevin Graham, who was named to the CBA Second-Team and First-Team All-Defense.
Despite moments of on-court success, the Flyers faced persistent challenges with coaching stability, financial viability, and attendance. Throughout the 1986-87 season, it became increasingly apparent that the franchise was in trouble, with Killian Spanbauer and minority owners placing the team on the market. With no prospect of a dedicated arena being built in the Fox Valley, the franchise relocated to Rochester, Minnesota for the 1987-88 season, where they became the Rochester Flyers. Though their time in Wisconsin was relatively brief, the Flyers left a lasting legacy that was honored years later when the NBA G League's Wisconsin Herd wore Wisconsin Flyers throwback jerseys during their inaugural season in 2017.
This premium quality throwback tee features the iconic Wisconsin Flyers logo on the front, reproduced with a deliberately distressed, cracked, vintage feel that captures the nostalgic essence of this beloved team. The back remains blank, keeping the focus on the legendary emblem that represents an important chapter in Wisconsin basketball history.
Product Specifications:
- Printed on premium Gildan 5000
- 5.3 oz, 100% preshrunk cotton for comfort and durability
- Tear-away label for maximum comfort
- Classic unisex fit looks great on everyone
- Available in sizes S-5XL
- Variety of popular colors available
- Created using cutting-edge direct-to-garment printing technology for exceptional detail and wash-resistance
Whether you were there cheering from the stands during their CBA days, or you're just discovering the legend of the Wisconsin Flyers, this shirt lets you carry a piece of Wisconsin basketball history wherever you go.
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