Basketball from a fan’s perspective
February
Those of you who live outside the U.S. might not be aware, the second month of the year we pause to honor the contributions of African Americans in building this nation. College basketball has been played for well over 100 years the NBA is young by comparison. The NBA of the 1950’s was concentrated in smaller markets; in addition, it was minor league compared to other sports. Baseball was king followed by college football the NFL and finally the NBA. In 1947 the news was earth shattering when the Brooklyn Dodgers called up Jackie Robinson to play baseball.
He was the first black player in the modern era, the times were a changing, but many saw this occurrence in a negative light. Robinson would suffer all sorts of degradation integrating baseball. Three black players began play in the NBA in 1950, Chuck Cooper was drafted by the Celtics. Earl Lloyd began with the Washington Capitols and Nate “Sweetwater” Clifton began play with the Knicks. Lloyd had the distinction of being the first black player to suit in an NBA game due to the schedule.
It’s been reported the trio faced hostility in several venues they played but nothing like what Jackie Robinson would face in baseball. It’s clear these pioneers will never be held with the same reverence of Robinson, only NBA historians know the true story. Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, Nate “Sweetwater” Clifton…they led the way for the NBA’s future. Chuck Cooper was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2019 following Lloyd and Clifton. If we just check their career numbers, they certainly are not outstanding, the trio was honored because of their place in history.
It’s been reported the trio faced hostility in several venues they played but nothing like what Jackie Robinson would face in baseball. It’s clear these pioneers will never be held with the same reverence of Robinson, only NBA historians know the true story. Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, Nate “Sweetwater” Clifton…they led the way for the NBA’s future. Chuck Cooper was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2019 following Lloyd and Clifton. If we just check their career numbers, they certainly are not outstanding, the trio was honored because of their place in history.
Parity
“The state or condition of being equal, especially regarding status or pay.” That’s one of the definitions of parity and certainly fits the 2019-20 collegiate basketball season. Even though we sometimes view the Top 25 as a “beauty contest” it’s the only available measurement we have prior to the NCAA tourney.
Until recently there’s been constant movement at the top as team after team assumed the top spot only to lose the following week. The college season has a little over a month remaining, then post-season tournament play begins. Once the tournaments are complete the field of 68 teams is selected. The National Invitation Tournament invites the balance of those who miss the NCAA cut. All in all, we are in for some crucial and defining basketball games over the next several weeks.
Until recently there’s been constant movement at the top as team after team assumed the top spot only to lose the following week. The college season has a little over a month remaining, then post-season tournament play begins. Once the tournaments are complete the field of 68 teams is selected. The National Invitation Tournament invites the balance of those who miss the NCAA cut. All in all, we are in for some crucial and defining basketball games over the next several weeks.
Expansion
The NBA will expand again, the earliest possible date according to Adrian Wojnarowski ESPN NBA guru is 2025 five years in the future. Which team(s) are added and who misses the cut, no idea only speculation on my part at this time? Seattle is always the first name mentioned and that shouldn’t change over the next five years. In addition, Key Arena is being refurbished for an NHL franchise, that’s likely to bring it up to NBA standards.
Keep in mind the NBA has never added more than two expansion teams at the same time. It’s likely there would be only two added, which city lines up behind Seattle is the question? Will it be a city in Canada, a return to Vancouver or perhaps Montreal? Also mentioned is Mexico City with its huge population base. These cities remain in the forefront of any possible Euro expansion due to the fact they are in the same time zone as U.S. cities.
University arenas
Although Madison Square Garden has been refurbished several times it remains the oldest arena still in use in the NBA, the latest version of MSG was opened in 1968. There are a significant number of collegiate arenas much older than 1968. Cameron Indoor Stadium home of Duke basketball only holds 9,000 fans. Although it’s been renovated several times the doors first opened in 1940 and its still viable. 1955 would see Allen Fieldhouse on the campus of the University of Kansas open.
Butler University continues to play its home games at Finkle Fieldhouse which opened in 1928, naturally it’s been remodeled several times over the years. The Palestra located in Philadelphia is home to the Penn and St Joseph’s, this arena was first opened in 1927. There are other old-fashioned arenas still in operation, just wanted to provide you a list of some of the more historical buildings. A significant number of arenas were built in the 1920’s however there is one that pre-dates all. Perhaps the oldest arena still in use today is Matthews Arena home of Northeastern University basketball, the 5,000-seat arena opened in 1910.
