Ira Lee Harge is a retired American professional basketball player. Born in Anguilla, Mississippi, Harge played high school basketball in Detroit, Michigan before starring in college at the University of New Mexico. He played professionally in the American Basketball Association for six seasons, playing on two ABA championship teams. Harge earned a master's degree in education from UNM in 1969 and became a coach and teacher in Albuquerque after his playing career ended.
Harge as a member of the Utah Stars, circa 1972
American Basketball Association
The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a men's professional basketball league from 1967 to 1976. The ABA merged into the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1976, resulting in four ABA teams joining the NBA and the introduction of the NBA 3-point shot in 1979.
Doug Moe of the Carolina Cougars, 1969–70
Julius Erving performing a slam dunk against the Spirits of St. Louis, 1974
Hall of Famer Rick Barry played for the ABA's Oakland Oaks
Connie Hawkins of the Pittsburgh Pipers won the 1967–68 ABA MVP award