The Oilers never really challenged their sisterly club, the Phillips 66ers for league supremacy, going 24–34 in NIBL games in their three years here (1952 through 1955).
Featuring players such as Johnny Stanich, a UCLA All-American who was a star despite a childhood accident that cost him three fingers on his left hand, Parks, a defense-minded swingman who played with Kurland at Oklahoma A&M, Nick Revon, a lightning-quick guard from New Orleans, Marc Freiberger, a 6-11 center from Oklahoma, and Elton Cotton, a 6-6 forward from the University of Houston who could throw down "skywalking dunks", the Oilers could be a competitive force.
The Ada Oilers had their best showing in the 1956 AAU tournament after Bud Adams sold the squad to Vickers Petroleum in Wichita.
The Oilers, who traveled in Adams-designed outfits that featured cowboy boots and hats, along with full-length fur overcoats, provided a colorful footnote to the city’s sports history.
Players were expected to put in a full day in the office or out in the field before practicing or playing in their "off" hours.