The Changing Face Of Basketball Essay - 1491 Words

The Changing Face of Basketball Basketball has come a long way since its soccer ball and peach basket beginnings in that its style, players, facilities and leagues have developed dramatically and gained tremendous popularity. Salaries have increased from Bob Cousys minute $45.00 a game (Minser 37) to Michael Jordans $300,000 + per game (Minser 37). Basketball is a sport in which all ages can participate in any way, shape, or form and is a big part of American society today. In 1891 James A. Naismith invented basketball at a YMCA gymnasium in Springfield, Massachusetts (Hollander 4). He told a custodian to nail two peach baskets 10 feet high on opposite ends of the gymnasium walls. The first teams consisted of nine players on each side†¦show more content†¦He Graduated DePaul in 1946 as a three time All American, and was the biggest basketball star up to that time (Minsky 16). there were only a few centers that would ever classify as great, but George Mikan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar head that list. Georges build, Russells defense, Chamberlains style, and Abdul-Jabbars grace all set these guys apart from the rest of the basketball world. Like Mikan, Russell was the typical hard-working team player. Russell was one of the best rebounders, if not the best, ever to play basketball. Out of all the centers ever to play the game, Russell had the most success. He led his Boston Celtic team to 11 NBA titles (eight in a row) in 13 years; an all time NBA record (Minsky 26). Russells Celtic team was one of the best ever judging by statistics. However, there was no one Bill Russell feared more than Wilt â€Å"The Stilt† Chamberlain (Minsky 26). Russell , being the best defensive center in the league, prided himself on being able to guard the best offensive center in the league: Chamberlain. Russell verses Chamberlain will go down in history as one of the best matchups in the history of the sport. Throughout the ten years the opposing centers played, they met 162 times (Minsky 30). In those games, Chamberlains points were down and rebounds were up and visa versa for Russell (Minsky 30). last, butShow MoreRelatedMichael Jordan Research Paper1553 Words   |  7 PagesMichael Jordan is arguably the best athlete to ever step foot on a basketball court. He is still one of the most popular athletes in the world. This was because he was a hard worker on and off the court. Jordan was also looked at as an icon because he was an African American that was changing the National Basketball Association (NBA) by breaking records and developing new styles of play. His accomplishments began to produce many opportunities for other professional athletes, especially African AmericansRead MoreStar Basketball Player By John Updike1026 Words   |  5 PagesIn the poem Ex-Basketball Player, John Updike recounts the timeline of a once great basketball player named Flick Webb. The journey starts with a description of Flick’s hometown, then shares details about his current job, next it reflects on his high school basketball success, and finishes with his habits outside of work. In the first stanza, the poet is describing the town where Flick lives. Updike references trolley tracks which would imply an early 20th century setting. He also calls out the nameRead MoreMy Life - Original Writing1236 Words   |  5 Pagesfill the gym. Some girls wear the same nervous expression I do, and some have a look of confidence on their face. The sound of girls handling basketballs fills the gym. I walk over to the rack hesitantly and slowly reach out and grasp a basketball. The bumpy texture of the ball in my hand is familiar, and provides a sense of comfort. I look over at my sister and we head over to an empty basketball hoop. We start to shoot around, preparing for the tryouts that are moments away from starting. Read MoreHow Basketball Is A Sport Essay1505 Words   |  7 Pagesbasically something that one cherishes or has passion for as it could vary from playing sports to having a pet rock. Playing basketball is cool because it is a sport for anyone who has passion for the game as each player holds a different position on the court allowing a team to function well. Not only is basketball a sport for anyone, it also acts as a stress relief. Basketball allows individuals to be put in a relaxed state of mind allowing their minds to clear up from the stress that they may possiblyRead MoreA Heated Competitive Nature Of Basketball1053 Words   |  5 Pagesover anything and everything. Notably when the competition at hand was the sport of basketball. Growing up basketball was more than a game, it was a way of life. My brothers and I analyzed every aspect of basketball, we were students of the game. I recall the 2008 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, there was this undersized point guard playing for Davidson College by the name of Stephen Curry. This kid took the basketball world by storm, he became an overnight sensation. He led the Davidson College WildcatsRead MoreShould College Athletes Be Paid?1397 Words   |  6 Pagesto college athletes the main focus is on basketball and football athletes. The sports of both basketball and football in the NCAA generate the most revenue amongst all other college sports. The combined profit of these two sports go through a trickling down process, in which the income is distributed amongst the other sports teams of the university. The ideal thing to expect is to pay all college athletes, the reality is that only football and basketball players will be paid. College athletes dedicateRead MoreI Believe You Can Fly : Basketball Culture Essay1425 Words   |  6 PagesJournals: #12 Chapter 1 â€Å"I believe You Can Fly† : Basketball Culture in Postsocialist China Today’s Chinese basketball culture reflects the language of globalization. Basketball is a huge cultural sport and importance of understanding in Chinese modernity. Basketball was introduced by YMCA instructor in Tianjin. In addition, basketball has become a new form of engagement with modernity. In China basketball kind of play a huge role in market. Many people are centralized to the NBA or CBA, it is aRead MoreEssay Hoosiers a Film Review1283 Words   |  6 Pagestown high school basketball team from being just 15 and 10, all the way to the state championship. In my review, I’ll attempt to explain how this coach matches up against Kouzes and Posner’s â€Å"Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership.† Our setting is rural Indiana in a town called Hickory. It’s a place that’s resistant to change. Hickory is a place where, according to Myra Fleener, a character in the film, â€Å"basketball heroes are treated like gods†. This town takes their basketball seriously, a settingRead MoreThe Movie Othello By William Shakespeare Essay1493 Words   |  6 Pageshigh achievements and talent to be a professional basketball player, the audience sympathizes with him in this scene because he was accused unfairly. Right after this scene, Nelson showed a scene of Odin beating up Roger. Odin responds very violently and he caused harm to other. Hugo continues to act loyal and tried to be a good friend to Odin, but in the back, he’s feeding Odin lies and having the intention to destroy him. Before an important basketball game, Hugo gives him some cocaine to help himRead MoreEarvin Johnson is Magic on the Basketball Court1795 Words   |  7 Pagesearly 90s. The 1980s is known to many people as NBA’s best decade. This era featured a combination of the best style of basketball, as well as some of the greatest players of all time. Magic Johnson headlined this elite group of players. Because of the immense amount of talent in the game at this time period, basketball was emerging as a big part of a lot of people’s lives. Basketball was growing in popularity and was becoming one of America’s favorite sports to watch. Magic Johnson only made this sport