University of Virginia Library

Last Place Bucks Win
Coin Flip For Alcindor

Happy was the word in
Milwaukee yesterday as the
Milwaukee Bucks of the National
Basketball Association learned that
they had won league draft rights to
Lou Alcindor, UCLA's 7′11/2″
center. Another word circulating
was money, because it was reported
that Alcindor was seeking one
million dollars for his services.

The Bucks, last place finishers in
the NBA's Eastern Division, won
the rights tot try and recruit
Alcindor's services by winning a
coin flip from the Phoenix Suns, last
place team in the Western Division.
No Milwaukee official would admit
that in fact Alcindor would be their
pick, but the UCLA superstar is
hard to overlook.

The financial burden would be
handled by the stockholders as
indicated by millionaire chairman
of the board, Wes Pavalon.

This weekend will be the last
collegiate action Alcindor will see
when the UCLA Bruins go for their
third straight national title in
Louisville.

Some sports observers contend
that the New York Nets of the
American Basketball Association
illegally tried to enlist Alcindor's
services. If this is so or not is
actually not that important an
issue, since many sportswriters
contend that the major factor that
will determine where he will play is
money.

One million dollars is reasonable
if one stops to realize that several
players just out of school have
commanded large salaries and
bonuses. Bill Bradley of the New
York Knickerbockers has a four
year contract in excess of
$500,000, while San Diego is
shelling out $440,000 in a three—
year contract.

Neither George Mikan
,commissioner of the American
Basketball Association, nor
Alcindor were available for comment.
NBA commissioner Walter
Kennedy said that his league would
be "happy to add Alcindor's talents
to those of the other players in the
NBA."