Tri-Cities Blackhawks
From Buffalo to Moline: The Tri-Cities Blackhawks, an NBA original.
The Tri-Cities Blackhawks were the franchise now known as the Atlanta Hawks during its tenure in Moline, Illinois, from 1946 to 1951. The team originated as the Buffalo Bisons in the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1946, but after only 38 days and 13 games in Buffalo, the franchise moved to Moline and was renamed the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. Playing home games at Wharton Field House, the Blackhawks became one of the NBA's 17 original teams in 1949 following the merger of the NBL and the Basketball Association of America (BAA). The team featured notable figures including William "Pop" Gates, one of the first African-American players in the NBL, and was briefly coached by Red Auerbach. In 1951, the franchise moved to Milwaukee and became the Milwaukee Hawks.
- Notable Player
- Slater Martin (Drafted by St. Louis Bombers in 1949)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Tri-Cities Blackhawks' story begins with the Buffalo Bisons, organized by Leo Ferris and the Erie County American Legion and coached by Nat Hickey. Their first game, a 50–39 victory over the Syracuse Nationals, was played on November 8, 1946. The team featured William "Pop" Gates, who, along with William "Dolly" King, was one of the first two African-American players in the NBL. Struggling to draw even 1,000 fans per game against a break-even need of 3,600, the franchise lasted only 38 days in Buffalo. On December 25, 1946, Ferris announced the move to Moline, Illinois, part of the "Tri-Cities" area. Upon moving, the team was renamed the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. In 1949, the Blackhawks became one of the NBA's 17 original teams after the NBL-BAA merger. They reached the playoffs in the NBA's inaugural year under coach Red Auerbach. The following season, they drafted three-time All-American Bob Cousy but traded him to the Chicago Stags. By then, the Tri-Cities area was too small to support an NBA team, and after the season the franchise moved to Milwaukee.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Wharton Field House was thick with the promise of a new league. It was 1949, and the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, having survived a frantic move from Buffalo just three years prior, were now one of 17 original teams in the newly merged National Basketball Association. Fans packed the 6,000-seat arena in Moline, Illinois, to watch a team that had already made history: William "Pop" Gates, one of the first African-American players in the NBL, was still on the roster. Under the guidance of coach Red Auerbach, the Blackhawks pushed into the playoffs in the NBA's first season. But the small market couldn't sustain the dream. After drafting Bob Cousy and failing to sign him, the franchise packed its bags again, heading to Milwaukee in 1951. The Tri-Cities chapter was brief, but it was the gritty, determined start of a journey that would eventually land in Atlanta.
Reader's Guide
The Tri-Cities Blackhawks era (1946–1951) is the foundational chapter of the Atlanta Hawks franchise. This period is defined by the team's origins in the NBL, its rapid relocation from Buffalo to Moline, and its role as an original NBA team. What made this era vital was the integration of the league: William "Pop" Gates was one of the first two African-American players in the NBL and later became the first African-American coach in a major sports league, coaching Dayton in 1948. The team also featured future Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach, who led them to the playoffs in the NBA's inaugural season. For modern Hawks fans, understanding the Tri-Cities era reveals the franchise's resilience. It shows how a team that couldn't draw 1,000 fans in Buffalo and struggled in a small Illinois market evolved into a major NBA franchise. The Blackhawks' brief existence set the stage for the championship years in St. Louis and the long history in Atlanta.
Did You Know?
- The Tri-Cities Blackhawks were originally the Buffalo Bisons, but the franchise lasted only 38 days in Buffalo before moving to Moline, Illinois.
- William "Pop" Gates, who played for the Blackhawks, was one of the first two African-American players in the NBL and later became the first African-American coach in a major sports league.
- The Blackhawks were one of the NBA's 17 original teams after the 1949 merger of the NBL and the BAA.
- The team was briefly coached by Red Auerbach, who led them to the playoffs in the NBA's inaugural season.
- The Blackhawks drafted three-time All-American Bob Cousy but traded him to the Chicago Stags before he ever played for the team.
Franchise Origins and Early Relocations
The lineage of the Atlanta Hawks begins with the Buffalo Bisons, an NBL franchise established in 1946 by Ben Kerner and Leo Ferris. Despite a promising inaugural victory over the Syracuse Nationals, the team struggled financially in Buffalo, failing to meet attendance requirements after just 38 days. Consequently, the organization relocated to Moline, Illinois, renaming themselves the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. Playing at Wharton Field House, this iteration included historic figures like William "Pop" Gates, one of the league's first African-American players and later its first Black coach in a major sport. In 1949, the Blackhawks joined the newly formed NBA following the merger with the BAA, briefly coached by Red Auerbach. However, the small market proved unsustainable for professional basketball, leading to another move in 1951 to Milwaukee.
The St. Louis Championship Era
After a brief stint in Milwaukee, ownership Ben Kerner moved the franchise to St. Louis in 1955, where the team achieved its greatest historical success. This era was defined by the arrival of Bob Pettit, who became the league's first official MVP in 1956. Although the Hawks famously drafted Bill Russell only to trade him to their arch-rivals, the Boston Celtics, they built a formidable roster that challenged for supremacy throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s. The St. Louis Hawks made four consecutive trips to the NBA Finals between 1957 and 1961, facing the Celtics in every series. Their crowning achievement came in 1958 when they avenged a previous loss to Boston, winning the franchise's first and only NBA championship with a 4–2 series victory.
The Atlanta Relocation and Long Drought
In May 1968, the franchise underwent its final relocation, moving from St. Louis to Atlanta under new ownership led by Thomas Cousins and former Governor Carl Sanders. This transition marked the beginning of a prolonged period of championship futility; the team has not won an NBA title in 67 seasons, holding the second-longest drought behind only the Sacramento Kings. Furthermore, for nearly five decades following their move, the Hawks failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs until finally breaking through in 2015. Despite these struggles, the franchise demonstrated resilience in the 21st century by securing playoff berths for ten consecutive seasons from 2008 to 2017, a feat achieved by only four teams during that era.
Modern Draft History and Future Outlook
As the franchise continues its evolution in Atlanta, playing home games at State Farm Arena, it has recently looked toward the future through significant draft capital. In the 2024 NBA draft, the Hawks utilized their first overall pick to select Zaccharie Risacher, marking a pivotal moment as this was their highest selection since 1975. This decision underscores the organization's ongoing efforts to rebuild and compete under current ownership, which includes billionaire James Cox Chambers. While the team remains defined by its historic championship in St. Louis, the selection of a top-tier international prospect signals a renewed commitment to developing young talent and potentially ending their long-standing title drought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Tri-Cities Blackhawks?
They were the original incarnation of the Atlanta Hawks franchise, founded in 1946 as one of the inaugural members of the Basketball Association of America. Based in Moline, Illinois, this team played its home games at The Armory before eventually relocating.
What was the role and significance of the Tri-Cities Blackhawks?
This iteration established the foundational lineage for what would become a long-standing NBA franchise, serving as the club's first identity. Their existence in the Midwestern market set the stage for future relocations to Milwaukee, St. Louis, and finally Atlanta.
How did the story of the Tri-Cities Blackhawks end?
The team ceased operations in Moline after the 1950-1951 season when ownership moved the franchise to Milwaukee. This relocation marked the official end of the 'Blackhawks' era as the club evolved into a new identity.
Why are the Tri-Cities Blackhawks important to Hawks history?
They represent the humble origins of the organization, proving that the current Atlanta dynasty traces its roots back to this small-market 1946 startup. Without their initial entry into professional basketball, the franchise's subsequent legacy would not exist.
Who was a notable player for the Tri-Cities Blackhawks?
Guard Slater Martin stands out as one of the most significant players from this early period, contributing to the team's on-court performance during its five-year run in Illinois. His career with Moline highlights the talent that helped build the franchise's initial reputation.