On January 22, 1968, the National Basketball Association (NBA) officially awarded a new franchise to Milwaukee, marking the return of professional basketball to the city after a 13-year absence. This expansion team was granted to Milwaukee Professional Sports and Services, a group often shortened to Milwaukee Pro, which was spearheaded by prominent businessmen Wesley Pavlon and Marvin Fishman. This moment was significant for Milwaukee, as the city had
previously hosted an NBA team, the Hawks, before their relocation to St. Louis in 1955.
The creation of the Milwaukee Bucks was not just a business venture; it was a community event. The team's owners engaged the public in a contest to name the new franchise, drawing participation from over 40,000 fans. While the name "Robins" emerged as the most popular choice from this contest, the ownership group ultimately decided to go with the second-most popular suggestion: "Bucks." This name was chosen as a direct reference to Wisconsin's state wild animal, the white-tailed deer, symbolizing characteristics like being spirited, good jumpers, fast, and agile.
Naming the Franchise: A Community Effort
The decision to name the team "Bucks" was famously suggested by a fan named R. D. Trebilcox. His reasoning, highlighting the deer's spirited, jumping, fast, and agile qualities, resonated with the owners. As a token of appreciation for his role in naming the team, Trebilcox was awarded a new car, underscoring the community's involvement in the franchise's early days. This fan engagement helped to build a connection between the team and its future supporters even before a single game was played.
The return of an NBA franchise to Milwaukee was a long-awaited event. The city had been without an NBA team since the Hawks' departure, and the new Bucks franchise filled that void. The excitement surrounding the team's creation was palpable, setting the stage for a new era of professional basketball in Wisconsin. The ownership group's commitment to involving the community from the outset helped to lay a strong foundation for the team's future.
The Inaugural Season and Early Challenges
The Milwaukee Bucks played their very first NBA regular-season game on October 16, 1968, facing off against the Chicago Bulls. This historic match took place before a crowd of 8,467 people. While the enthusiasm for the new team was evident, the inaugural season presented significant challenges, as is often the case for expansion teams. The Bucks concluded their first year with a record of only 27 wins.
Despite the initial struggles on the court, the establishment of the Milwaukee Bucks marked a pivotal moment for the city and the NBA. It brought professional basketball back to a dedicated fan base and set the stage for the team's future development and eventual successes. The foundation laid by Wesley Pavlon and Marvin Fishman, coupled with the community's early involvement, proved crucial in establishing the Bucks as a lasting presence in the league.
