The first American Basketball Association played from 1967 through the 1975–76 season and included a team called the Kentucky Colonels.
Unsuccessful efforts were made to bring the NBA's relocating Charlotte Hornets and Vancouver Grizzlies to Louisville, along with the Houston Rockets at a time that they were demanding a new arena.
The roster included such names as former Kentucky Wildcats Anthony Epps and Antwain Barbour, former University of Louisville standout Luke Whitehead and Syracuse University alum Jeremy McNeil.
In the front office, former NBA veteran Tree Rollins was the general manager and all-time ABA great Lou Dampier was director of player personnel.
Coach Keathley would guide the team to a 19−12 finish overall and a second round playoff loss to the eventual ABA champion Arkansas Rimrockers.