In June 1970, the Utah Stars were sold to Colorado cable TV pioneer Bill Daniels, who moved the team to Salt Lake City as the Utah Stars. Merv “The Magician” Jackson suited up for the team and the Stars finished second in the Western Division with the franchise’s best record yet, 57 wins and 27 losses. The Stars defeated the Texas Chaparrals 4 games to none in the first round of the playoffs, beat the Indiana Pacers 4 games to 3 in a fiercely contested semifinal series, and edged out the Kentucky Colonels 4 games to 3 in another fiercely contested series, winning the 1970-71 ABA championship. Professional basketball had officially arrived in Salt Lake City. Without the Stars laying the groundwork for professional basketball in Utah, the state may never have had an NBA franchise or a Utah Jazz.
This size 10.5, white gold ring is stamped with "3" and "Balfour 10K". It has also been stamped with, "SA 130069-8". One side of the ring says, "Jackson 12, ABA". The other side reads, "Utah Stars, Salt Palace, 1971". The face of the ring says, "Utah Stars, ABA Champions" and has a red, white, and blue basketball on the front. There is a jadeite stone on the face of the ring. This is the exact design that was used for the rings that the players received. MINT condition.