Basketball History 101
I am your author and host, Rick Loayza. This is the blog and podcast where we bring to life some of the forgotten stories from basketball history. I love basketball. I love watching it. I love reading about it. I love learning about its history. I am, for all intents and purposes, a basketball junkie. I’ve coached all three of my kids in youth basketball. In fact, I still coach my youngest each winter. Something just happened to me when I was 11 where I was bitten by the basketball bug. And starting then, I just couldn’t get enough of t...
Episode 264 - Johnny Neumann
Johnny Neumann was one of those players who should be remembered as an ABA superstar. But his youth and immaturity undermined his own career. He started out hot, averaging 18 points/game as a rookie, but then quickly saw his numbers drop. Neumann is a cautionary tale about what it takes to achieve greatness in the pros.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Disco Funk" by Jam Morgan
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETW...
Episode 263 - The Original Big 3
The NBA has had a variety of Big 3s in its history, but we want to go back to the 1940s to share the story of the original Big 3. We share the championship run of the Minneapolis Lakers, which featured George Mikan, Vern Mikkelson, and Jim Pollard.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"1940s Slow Dance" by Doug
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
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Episode 262 - Ray Allen’s Biggest Shot
The shot to tie Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals was the biggest shot of Ray Allen’s career But did you know that he had been practicing that scenario for years? This is the story of that preparation.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Flashing Lights” by MokkaMusic
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
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Episode 261 - The Friendship of Cousy & Russell
Bob Cousy and Bill Russell won six NBA championships in just seven seasons as teammates. But after their careers ended they rarely spoke. It wasn’t until later in their lives that they were able to reconnect. In today’s episode we delve into why they were not able to maintain that connection.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"" by
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshi...
Episode 260 - The ABA Dunk Contest
The formal professional dunk contest was the 1976 ABA Dunk Contest. It featured Dr. J, David Thompson, and George "Ice Man" Gervin. It was a great idea, but nobody knew how to run a dunk contest. What were the rules? And should the dunkers plan out their dunks, or just improvise?
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Disco Funk" by Jam Morgan
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sp...
Episode 259 - The Medal of Lies: The 1972 Olympics
The 1972 Olympic Gold Medal Match was between the USA and the USSR. This was more than just a game. This was a battle of political ideologies. Going into the game the USA had never lost an Olympic game. But the Soviets would not be intimidated.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Коробейники" by VladimirGLenin
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
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Episode 258 - Jerry West, pt. 3
We wrap our story on Jerry West by reviewing his time as an NBA executive. He was arguably a better executive than he was a player, and was already one of the greatest players of all time. As an executive alone he went to the NBA Finals 14 times. That is some true excellence.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"50s Noir Jazz" by TaleKeeper Studios
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sp...
Episode 257 - Jerry West, pt. 2
Jerry West played in the NBA Finals 9 times and won the championship only once. It was a career that frustrated him to the point that he threatened to retire several times
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"50s Noir Jazz" by Talekeeper Studios
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/
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Episode 256 - Jerry West, pt. 1
The life of Jerry West is one of triumph and torment. He is one of the greatest players of all time, but also quite tormented by demons from his childhood. In this first part we take a look at his upbringing.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"" by
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
m.faceb...
Episode 255 - Chuck Daly's Dream Team
The job that Chuck Daly did with the Dream Team is nothing short of a masterclass in basketball coaching. How do you take a team full of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers and get them to form a real team with role players and pecking order?
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Rap Beat" by MaverickMyers
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
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Episode 254 - The NBA's First Scout
In today’s NBA, the level of scouting is incredible. Every team keeps a complete file on every other NBA player and every significant university and overseas player. But where did all of this scouting come from? It came from the mind of Bill Bertka, the first full time scout in the NBA. He was hired by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1968 and he still works for the Lakers today at the age of 97.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
...
NDN All-Stars: Celebrating Great Native American Athletes of Past and Present on the Sports History Network - SHN Trailers
NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
EPISODE SUMMARY
Welcome to the NDN All-Stars podcast! Join me, Bill Black, as we celebrate the many great Native American athletes who have made an impact in their sports!
--------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS
If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to...
Episode 253 - When Jordan Was Cut From The Varsity
Michael Jordan was famously cut from the varsity team when he was in high school. However, we rarely hear the full story. This is the full story of why he was cut and it made a lot of sense.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Take Care" by Julian Avila
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
m.f...
Episode 252 - The Game's Greatest Innovator
Clair Bee is one of the greatest coaches in basketball history. But, he is rarely included in the conversation. He won 82% of his games as a college coach. He also contributed three new ideas that are still used today throughout basketball. And he wrote 24 novels for young readers. He might be the largest contributor to basketball outside of Naismith himself.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Happy Days" by Chuck Sims
"Horizons" by Roa
Episode 251 - Building a Championship with the 2008 Celtics
The 2008 Boston Celtics were built in one summer and then won the championship. This is the story of the two trades that the Celtics made in the summer of 2007 to bring in Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Broken" by AJ PRO
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
m.facebook.com/B...
Episode 250 - The Zev Eleff Exclusive: The Greatest Of All Time, pt. 2
Today, Rick finishes his interview with Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff, president of Gratz College and professor of Jewish-American history, as well as the author of recent title The Greatest of All Time: A History of an American Obsession. Here in the second part of this two-part interview, Rick and Zev dive into the qualities that define greatness for us, and how that impacts who we actually view as being the greatest.
Buy Dr. Eleff's book here!
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
...
Episode 249 - The Zev Eleff Exclusive: The Greatest Of All Time, pt. 1
Today, Rick hosts an interview with Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff, president of Gratz College and professor of Jewish-American history, as well as the author of recent title The Greatest of All Time: A History of an American Obsession. Here in the first part of this two-part interview, Rick and Zev dive into what qualifies something to be considered the greatest, how that applies to a discussion of basketball players, and the uniqueness this category seems to be to the United States.
Buy Dr. Eleff's book here!
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head re...
Episode 248 - The Point of Potential & Damon Bailey
Damon Bailey was probably the most hyped 13-year-old basketball player ever. In rural Indiana people were already predicting that Bailey would dominate the NBA someday. He even made the cover of Sports Illustrated. But he never played a single NBA game. Bailey is one of thousands of players who showed NBA potential, but did not make it.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Take Care" by Julian Avila
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HIST...
Episode 247 - From First to Worst
Only two players can say that they played for both the best team in NBA history and the worst team in NBA history. Leroy Ellis and John Trapp were those two players. They played for both the 1972 LA Lakers (69-13) and the 1973 Philadelphia 76ers (9-73). This is their story.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Disco Funk" by Jam Morgan
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
spor...
Episode 246 - The Tragedy of Len Bias
The story of Len Bias is a modern tragedy. Coming from the University of Maryland, Bias was a player that had the potential to be another Jordan, or even better than Jordan. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead just 36 hours after being drafted #2 by the Boston Celtics. This is the story of that tragedy.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Take Care" by Julian Avila
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
spor...
SHN PRESENTS: Digits Dynasty - SHN Trailers
Digits Dynasty is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
HIGHLIGHTED SHOW - DIGITS DYNASTY
“Digits Dynasty” is an engaging podcast where we debate the greatest athletes to don each uniform number in sports history.
Each episode focuses on a specific number, featuring passionate discussions, stats, and anecdotes across all of sports history, that highlight the legends who wore it. From iconic moments to personal stories, we break down the impact these athletes had on their teams and the game itself.
Learn more about the show on th...
Episode 245 - The Might Macs
Immaculata College won the first three women’s national championships in 1972, 1973, and 1974. It was a tiny school with only 500 students and they did it with virtually no budget. They did not even have their own gym. They had to play their home games at a local high school. This is the story of those three championships.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Disco Funk" by Jam Morgan
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWOR...
Episode 244 - From Earvin to Magic
Earvin Johnson was only 15 years old when a local sportswriter started calling him Magic. The name caught on quickly and soon everyone was referring to this young basketball phenom as Magic. This is that story.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Disco Funk" by Jam Morgan
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
m.facebook.com/Baske...
Episode 243 - Sam Bowie
Sam Bowie was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1984 while Michael Jordan still available. Bowie then suffered a series of significant leg injuries who severely limited his playing time and overall production. He gets a bad rap for being taken ahead of Jordan, but we take a fresh look at his story and realize it was not such a bad idea, at the time.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Take Care" by Julian Avila
"Hor...
Episode 242 - Yao Ming's Unusual Journey to the NBA
Yao Ming’s journey to the NBA was filled with roadblocks and other problems. We share how Yao overcame legal and political hurdles to reach the Houston Rockets and the NBA.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Ancient China by Mostakim Harun" by
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/
...
SHN PRESENTS: GP Soccer Podcast - SHN Trailers
GP Soccer Podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.
HIGHLIGHTED SHOW
Giovanni Pacini is a noted expert in the game with significant expertise in the areas of player and coach development.
He is a United Soccer Coaches Master Coach, member of its National Staff, and National Goalkeeper Staff. He is a USYS East Region Staff Coach and is the GK Coach at Regis College (MA).
Learn more about the show on the Sports History Network.
Mentioned in this episode:
Sports H...
Episode 241 - Dr. J & Pistol Pete
The two most entertaining players of the 1970s were Pistol Pete Maravich and Dr. J. For about a week they were teammates on the Atlanta Hawks. In this episode we cover how this pairing happened and how it quickly fell apart.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Disco Funk" by Jam Morgan
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
FACEB...
Episode 240 - Team Chemistry & The 1989 Pistons
When it comes to team chemistry, the 1989 Detroit Pistons epitomized the concept of a complete team. They had the perfect balance of offense, defense, team leadership, and commitment to winning above individual statistics.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Rock You" by RockSounds
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/
<...
Episode 239 - The Genetics of the NBA
What is the perfect body type for an NBA player? You might be thinking really tall, right? Well, that is part of it. In this episode we will look at wing span, long legs, and narrow hips as physical patterns that we see all over the NBA and have a direct impact on performance.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Flashing Lights" by MokkaMusic
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
spor...
Episode 238 - The Best NBA Draft Classes
Why does the NBA have a draft in the first place? And which draft class was the best and worst? We will answer those questions in today’s episode.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/
BUSINESS CONTACT
bballhistory101@gmail.com
Episode 237 - The Lakers' 18th Championship
We share the story of the Lakers' 18th championship, or rather, their first of 18 championships. This is the story of how the Minneapolis Lakers won the 1948 NBL championship before joining the NBA where they won 17 more championships.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Slow Dance" by Doug
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
m.facebook.com/B...
Episode 236 - Russell and Red
Over the course of their time together on the Celtics, Bill Russell and Red Auerbach became incredible friends. The two could not be more different. However they were both incredibly competitive and wanted to win championships. They recognized in each other a partner that could help win games.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"60s and 70s Rock" by Hyde
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
spor...
Episode 235 - Marty Blake: Scout Extraordinare
Marty Blake is not well known to the casual NBA fan, but he is considered a genius within the professional basketball community. He was the NBA’s first Director of Scouting and advanced the science of scouting a player to heights never known before. His contributions to basketball are immeasurable.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Funky Retro Funk [Funk Music] by MokkaMusic
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
Episode 234 - When Kevin McHale Clobbered Kurt Rambis
In Game 4 of the 1984 NBA Finals, there was one play that turned the entire series around. Kurt Rambis was on his way in for a dunk when Kevin McHale clotheslined him and nearly injured him. This one play changed the series momentum from the Lakers to the Celtics.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Rock You" by RockSounds
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com...
Episode 233 - The Myth of Dr. J
Julius Erving, better know as Dr. J, was one of the most entertaining players of all time. He spent his first five seasons of his pro career in the ABA. Unfortunately, there is painfully little video of his time in that league. Stories about his exploits grew into mythical status because there was no video to prove otherwise. Some claimed that he dunked the ball from the 3-point line. The stories began to grow out of control until he joined the NBA and people could see how good he really was. And he was indeed very good.
CR...
Episode 232 - The Spirits of St. Louis: A Lost Team
The Spirits of St. Louis was one of the wildest teams in the ABA, and that is saying something. They had so much talent, but could not find success on the court. They had players like Marvin Barnes, Moses Malone, Mike D’Antoni, and Fly Williams, and still could not win consistently. This is their story.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Disco Funk" by Jam Morgan
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWOR...
Episode 231 - The Lost Teams of the ABA, pt. 7
We bring you the final entry into our series on the lost teams of the ABA: the Houston Mavericks. Eventually, they relocated to become the Carolina Cougars, and finally became the Spirits of St. Louis. They were a wild team at a wild time.
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Disco Funk" by Jam Morgan
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
<...
Episode 230 - The Bob Kuska Exclusive: The Great Basketball War, pt. 2
Today, we continue and conclude our interview with author, Bob Kuska, on his new book “Balls of Confusion: Pro Basketball Goes To War (1965-1970).”
BUY BOB'S BOOK!
Click here for Amazon link!
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/
BUSINESS C...
Episode 229 - The Bob Kuska Exclusive: The Great Basketball War, pt. 1
Today we interview author Bob Kuska to discuss his new book “Balls of Confusion: Pro Basketball Goes To War (1965-1970)” He goes deep into the ABA’s attempt to put pressure on the NBA by rivaling it in talent, hoping for a merger...
BUY BOB'S BOOK!
Click here for Amazon link!
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcas...
Christmas 2024 Special - The First Game REDUX || Ep. 177 Re-Air
For this Christmas bonus episode, we're re-airing Episode 177 from January 2, 2024. We had done a redux of our very first episode, telling the story of basketball's first game, and if you missed it then, this is our present to you now! From all of us here at BBH.101, we wish you a very merry Christmas!
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
"The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa
"Horizons" by Roa
SPORTS...
