Artis Gilmore

The Gentle Giant Who Dominated Both the ABA and NBA

Some big men impose their will through brute force. Others use skill and finesse. Artis Gilmore did both, standing as one of the most dominant centers to ever grace the hardwood.

At 7’2” with a massive wingspan and an almost effortless ability to score, rebound, and block shots, Gilmore was a two-way force who controlled the paint on both ends of the floor. Though he never received the same level of media attention as some of his peers, his impact on the game was undeniable.

From his record-shattering days in the ABA to his Hall of Fame NBA career, Artis Gilmore was a quiet but unstoppable presence—one of the most efficient and consistent big men in basketball history.

From Small-Town Star to College Sensation

Born in 1949 in Chipley, Florida, Gilmore grew up in the segregated South, developing his game on dirt courts before earning a scholarship to Gardner-Webb Junior College. He then transferred to Jacksonville University, where he became a national sensation.

• Led Jacksonville to the 1970 NCAA Championship Game—a historic achievement for a small school.
• Averaged 24.3 points and an astonishing 22.7 rebounds per game in college.
• Set multiple NCAA rebounding records, many of which still stand today.

Though Jacksonville lost to John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins in the title game, Gilmore had proven himself as one of the most dominant collegiate players ever.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Gilmore’s career stats and accomplishments reflect his quiet dominance and all-around excellence.

• ABA Champion (1975)
• ABA Playoffs MVP (1975)
• Five-time ABA All-Star
• Six-time NBA All-Star
• ABA MVP (1972)
• Four-time ABA Rebounding Champion
• Three-time ABA Blocks Leader
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1978)
• Career Averages: 18.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.4 blocks per game
• Ranks among the all-time leaders in rebounds, field goal percentage, and blocked shots.
• Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.

Gilmore’s combination of elite rebounding, rim protection, and scoring efficiency made him a dominant presence for nearly two decades.

Artis Gilmore: The Definition of Efficiency

Unlike many big men who relied solely on strength, Gilmore had a remarkably soft touch around the rim and a nearly unstoppable hook shot.

• Holds the NBA record for the highest career field goal percentage (59.9%).
• Finished 12 seasons shooting over 60% from the field.
• One of the best offensive rebounders of all time, dominating second-chance opportunities.

While he wasn’t the loudest player on the court, his impact was felt every single game, as he controlled the paint, defended the rim, and scored with ease.

Two Moments That Define Artis Gilmore

Leading the Kentucky Colonels to the 1975 ABA Championship

By the mid-1970s, the ABA was packed with talent, and the Kentucky Colonels were one of the league’s most formidable teams.

In the 1975 ABA Playoffs, Gilmore dominated on both ends of the floor, averaging 24.1 points, 17.2 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game to lead the Colonels to their first and only championship.

• In Game 5 of the Finals, he recorded 28 points, 31 rebounds, and 5 blocks to clinch the title.
• He was named ABA Playoffs MVP, solidifying himself as one of the best centers in basketball.

It was the peak of the Kentucky Colonels franchise and cemented Gilmore’s status as the most dominant big man in ABA history.

A Near-Upset of the Showtime Lakers (1985 NBA Playoffs)

By 1985, Gilmore was an established NBA veteran playing for the San Antonio Spurs, and his team was facing Magic Johnson’s legendary Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Despite being massive underdogs, Gilmore went toe-to-toe with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, averaging 19.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.

The Spurs pushed the Lakers to a grueling six-game series, nearly pulling off a major upset. Though they ultimately lost, Gilmore’s dominant inside play showed that even at 36 years old, he was still a force to be reckoned with.

Artis Gilmore’s Most Iconic Basketball Cards

1971 Topps Artis Gilmore Rookie Card (ABA Kentucky Colonels)

A must-have for collectors, this iconic card features Gilmore in his ABA prime.

1975 Topps Artis Gilmore Championship Year Card

A classic from the year he led the Kentucky Colonels to their ABA title.

1977 Topps Artis Gilmore Chicago Bulls NBA Debut Card

Marking his transition to the NBA after the ABA-NBA merger, this is a key card in his career.

Why Artis Gilmore’s Legacy Still Matters Today

Though he never sought the spotlight, Artis Gilmore’s impact on the game is undeniable.

• He dominated both the ABA and NBA, proving his greatness in both leagues.
• He remains one of the most efficient scorers and best rebounders of all time.
• He helped pave the way for big men who combined skill with strength, influencing later centers like Hakeem Olajuwon and Tim Duncan.
• His impact on the Kentucky Colonels and San Antonio Spurs left lasting marks on both franchises.

Even decades after his retirement, his name still belongs in the conversation of all-time great centers.

To own a Artis Gilmore card is to own a piece of basketball history, a tribute to one of the most dominant and underappreciated big men of all time.