http://www.sltrib.com/pages/comments?cid=56843410

I remember watching the Stars win the ABA championship and watching many great players come through the Salt Palace. I was in Jr. High at the time and would sell concessions in the stands to earn ski money. Big Z, Red Robbins, Willie Wise, Glen Combs, Merv Jackson, Ron Boone. The ABA was an interesting league with some very good players. I remember waiting to get my concessions assignment an hour or so before the game and the players would be arriving. Many smoked, which struck me as odd. They were all friendly. When we would end our work towards the end of the 4th quarter, we would sit in an area with a number of working ladies who were provided tickets for the game before the fun and games. They were very funny and intriguing. It was quite an education for a 7th and 8th grader from Churchill Jr. High. The Indiana Pacers had a player named Darnell Hillman, who one time before the game jumped and touched his foot to the backboard and landed on his feet.