Ankerson began his career in basketball as the Public Relations Director for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. His role involved managing the team's image and relationship with the public, a task he executed with great success. His work with the Bucks laid the foundation for his subsequent roles in the sport.
Following his stint with the Bucks, Ankerson transitioned to the ABA, where he served as the General Manager for the Virginia Squires. His tenure with the Squires was marked by his ability to manage the team's operations effectively, despite the league's financial instability. Ankerson's leadership played a crucial role in keeping the team afloat during a challenging period in the ABA's history.
After his time with the Squires, Ankerson moved on to the San Diego Sails, another ABA team, where he served as the General Manager. However, his time with the Sails was short-lived as the team folded just a few games into the 1975-76 season due to financial difficulties.
Despite the challenges, Ankerson's work in the ABA did not go unnoticed. He was appointed as the last Commissioner of the ABA in 1976, a role he held until the league merged with the NBA later that year. As Commissioner, Ankerson was instrumental in facilitating the merger, a move that significantly changed the landscape of professional basketball in the United States.
After the merger, Ankerson returned to the NBA, where he served in various roles, including as the Director of Broadcasting. In this capacity, he was responsible for managing the league's relationship with television and radio networks, a role that significantly contributed to the NBA's growth in popularity during the late 20th century.
In addition to his executive roles, Ankerson also made a name for himself as a broadcaster. He served as a radio announcer for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Green Bay Packers, further cementing his legacy in the world of sports.
Throughout his career, Ankerson's contributions to basketball were recognized with several awards. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and received the NBA's Splaver/McHugh "Tribute to Excellence" Award, which is given to former league executives who have made significant contributions to the sport.
In summary, Jack Ankerson's basketball career was marked by his roles as an executive and broadcaster in both the ABA and NBA. His leadership and contributions to the sport played a significant role in the development and growth of professional basketball in the United States.
🏀