The Milwaukee Bucks entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) as an expansion team on January 22, 1968. This significant event marked the return of an NBA franchise to Milwaukee after a 13-year hiatus, following the relocation of the Hawks to St. Louis in 1955. The new franchise was awarded to Milwaukee Professional Sports and Services, a group led by businessmen Wesley Pavlon and Marvin Fishman, often referred to as Milwaukee Pro. Their vision
brought professional basketball back to the Wisconsin city, igniting local excitement.
One of the first crucial steps in establishing the team was selecting a name. To foster community involvement, the ownership group launched a contest that saw participation from over 40,000 fans. While the name "Robins" received the most votes, the owners ultimately opted for "Bucks." This choice was a nod to Wisconsin's state wild animal, the white-tailed deer, which was seen to embody characteristics such as being spirited, good jumpers, fast, and agile. This decision helped to create an immediate connection between the team and its regional identity.
The Naming Contest and Its Outcome
The fan contest to name the team was a major public relations success, engaging a large segment of the Milwaukee community. Although "Robins" was the most popular submission, the owners' preference for "Bucks" highlighted their desire for a name that reflected the athletic prowess and spirit associated with the state's wildlife. The fan who suggested the name "Bucks," R. D. Trebilcox, was famously quoted for his description of bucks as "spirited, good jumpers, fast and agile." For his contribution, Trebilcox was rewarded with a new car, further cementing the community's role in the team's foundation.
This process not only gave the team its enduring identity but also generated significant buzz and anticipation for the upcoming season. The involvement of over 40,000 fans demonstrated a strong local appetite for professional basketball, indicating a solid fan base ready to support the new franchise. The chosen name, "Bucks," quickly became synonymous with Milwaukee's new NBA team.
The Inaugural Season: A Challenging Start
The Milwaukee Bucks officially began their NBA journey on October 16, 1968, playing their first regular-season game against the Chicago Bulls. The game drew a crowd of 8,467 spectators, eager to witness their new team in action. As is typical for expansion teams, the inaugural season proved to be a challenging one. The Bucks concluded their first year with a record of only 27 wins, indicating the difficulties of building a competitive roster from scratch. Despite the on-court struggles, the establishment of the team marked a significant milestone for Milwaukee, bringing professional basketball back to the city and laying the groundwork for its future in the league.
