Professional basketball in Phoenix was born on January 22nd, 1968. On that date, the NBA officially selected the city for an expansion team to begin play in the 1968-69 season. After a public contest to name the team, the Phoenix Suns were born.
The original Suns’ ownership group was highlighted by many big names of the time, including singer Andy Williams. The Suns were the first major professional franchise in the Phoenix area. Jerry Colangelo and Johnny ‘Red’ Kerr were hired as the Suns’ first General Manager and Head Coach, respectively.
The Suns entered the 1968 NBA expansion draft with the fellow NBA newcomer Milwaukee Bucks.