The ABA had some unusual characters, but few had the reputation for talent on the court and adventures off the court like John Brisker. After high scoring and All-Star seasons with Pittsburgh in the ABA, John moved on to the NBA where he had several productive seasons with NBA Seattle SuperSonics. His combined ABA and NBA career ended with an impressive career scoring average of 20.7 points per game.
After John last suited up as a pro in 1975, his story becomes a mystery that remains unsolved to this day. Speculation is that he traveled to Uganda and he was killed while fighting as a mercenary, or was shot in an argument with Ugandan royalty. Brisker was declared missing 1978 (age 30), and later declared legally dead 1985. As he is one of most infamous players in pro basketball history who (allegedly) died at the young age of 30, Brisker autographs are quite rare and in high demand among basketball collectors.
Fresh to the hobby is this high grade PSA/DNA MINT 9 oversized index card with John's bold signature and the inscription, Good Luck!
Provenance:
Our consignor Matt Bombeck collected sports autographs in the late 1960’s through the early 1970’s while living in the Dayton, Ohio area. Along with getting autographs at University of Dayton basketball games, Cincinnati Royals NBA games and Cincinnati Reds games, Matt was active mailing to players during these years, including their sports cards and index cards to be signed and returned in stamped self-addressed envelopes. While Matt quit collecting in the early 1970’s, he always kept his collection nearby, neatly preserved in sheets and binders, although sometimes packed away for long periods of time. Like many during the “shelter in place” periods of 2020, Matt rediscovered his collection, and ultimately decided it was time to give his autographed treasures a second life, so they are proudly presented here by SCP Auctions.