future basketball player essay

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Publications, let me enfold thee, an essay on basketball by gonzaga faculty member shann ray ferch.

Let me enfold thee, and hold thee to my heart. Shakespeare

What is it like to be a college basketball player?

Probably quite a bit similar to what it’s like being a college student, or a dancer, a poet, or a scientist. College basketball involves a great dream. We might say the dream is life, and then we might wonder, what does life ask of us? The answer may mean the difference between despair and hope; or the distance, nuanced, oblique, between darkness and light; or the resolution and peace that come of being in the presence of beloved others who have loved us and changed us forever.

Gonzaga University has enjoyed a sustained and by some accounts miraculous journey into the heart of college basketball. For those who love basketball and have been graced to witness the journey, there remains both the beauty and vigor of excellence developed over many days, months, and years, and also the ultimate dream of the sport: the possibility of a National Championship. At each level of competitive basketball every player who seeks a higher goal holds the dream of a championship very close. Whether or not the dream is realized is a matter left to the dynamic interplay of devotion, fortitude, chemistry, chance, fate, and luck.

This essay* is a mosaic of my own experiences playing basketball in high school, college, and in the German Bundesliga, and finding myself on the other side of the dream, held by even greater dreams about love, forgiveness, reconciliation, wholeness, and the mystery of the Divine.

* Parts of this essay appeared previously in Narrative Magazine and the book Blood Fire Vapor Smoke

In the dark I still line up the seams of the ball to the form of my fingers. I see the rim, the follow-through, the arm lifted and extended, a pure jump shot with a clean release and good form. I see the long-range trajectory and the ball on a slow backspin arcing toward the hoop, the net waiting for the swish.

In Montana, high school basketball is a thing as strong as family or work and when I grew up Jonathan Takes Enemy, a member of the Apsaalooké (Crow) Nation, was the best basketball player in the state. He led Hardin High, a school with years of losing tradition, into the state spotlight, carrying the team and the community on his shoulders all the way to the state tournament where he averaged 41 points per game. He created legendary moments that decades later are still mentioned in state basketball circles, and he did so with a force that made me both fear and respect him. On the court, nothing was outside the realm of his skill: the jump shot, the drive, the sweeping left-handed finger roll, the deep fade-away jumper. He could deliver what we all dreamed of, and with a venom that said don’t get in my way.

I was a year younger than Jonathan, playing for an all-white school in Livingston when our teams met in the divisional tournament and he and the Hardin Bulldogs delivered us a crushing 17-point defeat. At the close of the third quarter with the clock winding down and his team with a comfortable lead, Takes Enemy pulled up from one step in front of half-court and shot a straight, clean jumper. Though the range of it was more than 20 feet beyond the three-point line, his form remained pure. The audacity and raw beauty of the shot hushed the crowd. A common knowledge came to everyone: few people can even throw a basketball that far with any accuracy, let alone take a real shot with good form. Takes Enemy landed and as the ball was in the air he turned, no longer watching the flight of the ball, and began to walk back toward his team bench. The buzzer sounded, he put his fist high, the shot swished into the net. The crowd erupted.

Many of these young men did not escape the violence that surrounded the alcohol and drug traffic on the reservations, but their natural flow on the court inspired me toward the kind of boldness that gives artistry and freedom to any endeavor. Such boldness is akin to passion. For these young men, and for myself at that time, our passion was basketball.

But rather than creating in me my own intrepid response, seeing Takes Enemy only emphasized how little I knew of courage, not just on the basketball court, but in life. Takes Enemy breathed a confidence I lacked, a leadership potential that lived and moved. Robert Greenleaf said, “A mark of leaders, an attribute that puts them in a position to show the way for others, is that they are better than most at pointing the direction.” Takes Enemy was better than most. He and his team worked as one as they played with fluidity and abandon. I began to look for this way of life as an athlete and as a person. The search brought me to people who lived life not through dominance or coercion but through love and freedom of movement.

In the half dark of the house, a light burning over my shoulder, I find myself asking who commandeers the vessels of our dreams? I see Jonathan Takes Enemy like a war horse running, fierce and filled with immense power. The question gives me pause to remember him and his artistry, and how he played for something more.

By the time my brother Kral and I reached high school, we both had the dream, Kral already on his way to the top, me two years younger and trying to learn everything I could. We’d received the dream equally from our father and from the rez, the Crow rez at Plenty Coups, and the Tsitsistas (Northern Cheyenne) rez in the southeast corner of Montana. In Montana tribal basketball is a game of speed and precision passing, a form of controlled wildness that is hard to come by in non-reservation basketball circles. Fast and quick-handed, the rez ballers rise like something elemental, finding each other with sleight of hand stylings and no-look passes, pressing and cutting in stream-like movements that converge to rivers, taking down passing lanes with no will but to create chaos and action and fury, the kind of kindle that smolders and leaps up to set whole forests aflame.

Kral and I lost the dream late, both having made it to the D-1 level, both with opportunity to play overseas, but neither of us making the NBA.

Along the way, I helped fulfill our father’s tenacious hopes: two state championships at Park High in Livingston, one first as a sophomore with Kral, a massive win in which the final score was 104 to 64, with Kral totaling 46 points, 20 rebounds, and three dunks. And one two years later when I was a senior with a band of runners that averaged nearly 90 points a game before there was a three-point line. We took the title in what sportswriters still refer to as the greatest game in Montana high school basketball history, a 99-97 double-overtime thriller in 85’ at the Max Worthington Arena at Montana State University, before a crowd of 10,000.

Afterward on the bus ride through the mountains I remember my chest pressed to the back of the seat as I stared behind us. The post-game show blared over the speakers, everyone still whooping and hollering. “We’re comin’ home!” the radio man yelled, “We’re coming home!” and from the wide back window I saw a line of cars miles long and lit up, snaking from the flat before Livingston all the way up the pass to Bozeman. The dream of a dream, the Niitsítapi and the Apsaalooké, the Blackfeet and the Crow, the Nēhilawē and the Tsitsistas, the Cree and the Northern Cheyenne, the white boys, the enemies and the friends, and the clean line of basketball walking us out toward skeletal hoops in the dead of winter, the hollow in our eyes lonely but lovely in its way.

At Montana State University, I played shooting guard on the last team in the league my freshman year. Our team: seven Black men from all across America and five White kids mostly from Montana. We had a marvelous, magical point guard from Portland named Tony Hampton. He was lightning fast with wonderful ball-handling skills and exceptional court vision. He brought us together with seven games left in the season. Our record at the time was 7 wins, 16 losses. Last place in the conference. “We are getting shoved down by this coaching staff,” he said, and I remember how the criticism and malice were thick from the coaches. Their jobs were on the line. They’d lost touch with their players. Their players had lost touch with them. Tony said, “We need to band together right now. No one is going to do it for us. Whenever you see a teammate dogged by a coach, go up and give that teammate love. Tell him good job. Keep it up. We’re in this together.”

A team talk like that doesn’t typically change a season.

This one did.

Tony spoke the words. We followed him and did what he asked, and we went on a seven-game win streak, starting that very night when we beat the 17th-ranked team in the country, on the road. The streak didn’t end until the NCAA tournament eight games later. In that stretch, Tony averaged 19 points and 11 assists per game. He led the way and we were unfazed by outside degradation. We had our own inner strength. Playing as one, we won the final three games of the regular season. We entered the Big Sky Conference tournament in last place and beat the fourth-, second-, and first-place teams in the league to advance to March Madness. When we came home from the conference tournament as champions, it felt like the entire town of Bozeman was at the airport to greet us. We waded through a river of people giving high fives and held a fiery pep rally with speeches and roars of applause.

We went on to the NCAA tournament as the last-ranked team, the 64th team in a tournament which at that time had only 64 teams. We were slated to play St. John’s, the number one team in the nation. We faced off in the first game of the southwest regional at Long Beach, and far into the second half we were up by four. St. John’s featured future NBA players Mark Jackson (future NBA All-Star), Walter Berry (collegiate player of the year), and Shelton Jones (future winner of the NBA dunk contest). We featured no one with national recognition. We played well and had the lead late in the second half, but in the end we lost by nine.

When my brother graduated from Montana State I transferred and played my final two seasons of college basketball for Pepperdine University. At that time, Pepperdine had been a league-leading team for many years. Our main rival was Loyola Marymount University, featuring consensus All-American Hank Gathers and the multi-talented scorer Bo Kimble. My senior year at Pepperdine we beat Loyola Marymount 127-114 in a true barn-burner! Also a fine grudge match, considering they beat us earlier in the season at their place. We were set to play each other in the championship game of the West Coast Conference tournament but before we could meet at the top of the bracket, Hank died, and the tournament was immediately canceled.

The funeral was in Los Angeles, a ceremony of gut-wrenching grief and bereavement in which we gathered to honor one of the nation’s young most-radiant men. We prayed for him and for his family and for all who would come after him bearing his legacy of love for the game, elite athleticism, and the gift of living life to the full. His team went on to the NCAA tournament and made it all the way to the Elite 8. Bo Kimble shot his first free-throw of the NCAA tournament left-handed in honor of Hank. The shot went in. The nation mourned. The athletes who knew Hank were never the same.

As a freshman in high school, I was tiny, barely five feet tall, and my goal was to play Division 1 basketball. I’d had this goal since I was a child and because of my height and weight it seemed impossible, and actually felt impossible. I was small, but I made a deal with myself to do whatever it might take from my end to try to get to the D-1 level, so if I did not accomplish the goal, I knew at least I had given my all. I grew eight inches the summer before my sophomore year in high school, thanked heaven, and began to think perhaps the goal was not totally out of reach.

Hour after hour. Everyday. The dream was now fully formed, bright shining, and excruciating. I played 8 hours per day before my junior year, 10 hours per day before my senior season. At the height of it I played 17 hours in one day. Hours of solitude and physical exhaustion were plentiful. I gave my life to the discipline of being a point guard and a shooting guard. I worked on moves, passing, shooting, defending, ball handling. The regimen involved getting up at 7 a.m. at the singlewide trailer we lived in, on my bike by 7:40, traveling the highway toward Livingston, yellow transistor radio (borrowed from my mom) in the front pocket of my windbreaker, the ball tucked up under the coat, and me riding to Eastside, the court bordered by a grade school to the east, the sheriff’s station and the firehall to the north, and small houses to the west. A few blocks south, the Yellowstone River moved and churned and flowed east. Above the river a wall of mountains reached halfway up the sky.

Mostly I was by myself, but because the town had a love for basketball, there were many hours with friends too. In those moments with others, or isolated hours trying to hone my individual basketball skills, I faced many, many frustrations, but finally the body broke into the delight of hard work and found a rhythm, a pattern in which there was the slow advance toward something greater than oneself. Often the threshold of life is a descent into darkness, a powerful and intimate and abiding darkness in which the light finally emerges.

“Beauty will save the world,” Dostoevsky said.

Because of basketball I know there exists the reality of being encumbered or full of grace, beset with darkness and or in convergence with light. This interplay echoes the wholly realized vision of exceptional point guards and the daring of pure shooting guards, met with fortitude even under immense pressure.

At Eastside, both low end and high end have square metal backboards marked by quarter-sized holes to keep the wind from knocking the baskets down. Livingston is the fifth windiest city in the world. The playground has a slant to it that makes one basket lower than the other. The low end is nine-feet, 10 inches high, and we all come here to throw down in the summer. Too small, they say, but we don’t listen. Inside-outside, between-the-legs, behind-the-back, cross it up, skip-to-my-lou, fake and go, doesn't matter, any of these lose the defender. Then we rise up and throw down. We rig up a break-away on the rim and because of the way we hang on it in the summer, our hands get thick and tough. We can all dunk now, so the break-away is a necessity, a spring-loaded rim made to handle the power of power-dunks. The break-away rim came into being after Darryl Dawkins, nicknamed Chocolate Thunder, broke two of the big glass backboards in the NBA. On the first one Dawkins’ force was so immense the glass caved in and fell out the back of the frame. On the second, the window exploded and everyone ducked their heads and ran to avoid the fractured glass that flew from one end of the court to the other. Within two years every high school in the nation had break-aways, and my friends and I convinced our assistant coach to give us one so we could put it up on the low end at Eastside.

The high end is the shooter's end, made for the pure shooter, a silver ring 10-feet, two inches high with a long white net. At night the car lights bring it alive, rim and backboard like an industrial artwork, everything mounted on a steel-grey pole that stems down into the concrete, down deep into the hard soil.

A senior in high school, I’m 17. I leave the car lights on, cut the engine and grab my basketball from the heat in the passenger foot space. I step out. The air is crisp. The wind carries the cold, dry smell of autumn, and further down, more faint, the smell of roots, the smell of earth. Out over the city, strands of cloud turn grey, then black. When the sun goes down there is a depth of night unfathomable, the darkness rent by a flurry of stars.

I call the ballers by name, the great Native basketball legends, some my own contemporaries, some who came before. I learn from them and receive the river, their smoothness, their brazenness, like the Yellowstone River seven blocks south, dark and wide, stronger than the city it surrounds, perfect in form where it moves and speaks, bound by night. If I listen my heroes lift me out away from here, fly me farther than they flew themselves. In Montana, young men are Native and they are White, loving, hating. At Lodge Grass, at Lame Deer, I was afraid at first. But now I see. The speaking and the listening, the welcoming: Tim Falls Down, Marty Round Face and Max and Luke Spotted Bear from Plenty Coups; Joe Pretty Paint from Lodge Grass; and at St. Labre, Juneau Plenty Hawk, Willie Gardner, and Fred and Paul Deputee. All I loved, all I watched with wonder—and few got free.

Most played ball for my father, a few for rival teams. Some I watched as a child, and I loved the uncontrolled nature of their moves. Some I grew up playing against. And some I merely heard of in basketball circles years later, the rumble of their greatness, the stories of games won or lost on last second shots.

The body in unison, the step, the gather, the arc of the ball in the air like a crescent moon—the follow-through a small well-lit cathedral, the correct push and the floppy wrist, the proper backspin, the arm held high, the night, the ball, the basket, everything illumined.

We are given moments like these, to rise with Highwalker and Falls Down and Spotted Bear, with Round Face and Old Bull and Takes Enemy: to shoot the jump shot and feel the follow through that lifts and finds a path in the air, the sound, the sweetness of the ball on a solitary arc in darkness as the ball falls into the net.

All is complete. The maze lies open, an imprint that reminds me of the Highline, the Blackfeet and Charlie Calf Robe, the Crow and Joe Pretty Paint, the Cheyenne and Highwalker, a form of forms that is a memory trace and the weaving of a line begun by Native men, by White men, by my father and Calf Robe’s and Pretty Paint’s and Highwalker’s fathers, by our fathers’ fathers, and by all the fathers that have gone before, some of them distant and many gone, all of them beautiful in their way.

Fresh from professional ball in Germany I went with my dad to the Charlie Calf Robe Memorial Tournament on the Blackfeet rez in northeast Montana. The tribe devoted an entire halftime to my father and he didn't even coach on that reservation. They presented him with a beaded belt buckle and a blanket for the coaching he’d done on other reservations, the Cheynne rez, the Crow rez—to show their respect for him as an elder who was a friend to the Native Nations of Montana. During the ceremony they wrapped the blanket around his shoulders, signifying he would always be welcome in the tribe.

On that weekend with him, I received an unforeseen wholly unique gift. Dedicated as a memorial to the high school athlete Charlie Calf Robe, a young Blackfeet artist, long distance runner, and basketball player who died young, the tournament was a form of community grieving over the loss of a beloved son. The Most Valuable Player award was made by Charlie’s wife, Honey Davis, who spent nine months crafting an entirely beaded basketball for the event. When the tribe and Honey herself presented the ball to me, and I walked through the gym with my father, an old Blackfeet man approached us. He touched my arm, and smiled a wide smile.

“You can’t dribble that one, sonny” he said.

I saw my father’s father only a handful of times.

He lived in little more than a one room shack in Circle, Montana. In the shack next door was my grandfather’s brother, a trapper who dried animal hides on boards and leaned them against walls and tables. I remember rattlesnake rattles in a small pile on the surface of a wooden three-legged stool. A hunting knife with a horn handle. On the floor, small and medium-sized closed steel traps. An old rifle in the corner near the door.

My father and I drive the two-lane highway as we enter town. We pick up my grandfather stumbling drunk down the middle of the road and take him home.

Years later my grandpa sits in the same worn linoleum kitchen in an old metal chair with vinyl backing. Dim light from the window. His legs crossed, a rolled cigarette lit in his left hand, he runs his right hand through a shock of silver hair atop his head, bangs yellowed by nicotine. Bent or upright or sideways, empty beer cans litter the floor.

“Who is it?” he says, squinting into the dark.

“Tommy,” my dad says, “your son.”

“Who?” the old man says.

When we leave, my grandpa still doesn’t recognize him.

On the way home through the dark, I watch my father’s eyes.

My grandfather was largely isolated late in life. No family members were near him when he died. He once loved to walk the hills after the spring runoff in search of arrowheads with his family. But in my grandpa’s condition before death his desire for life was eclipsed. He became morose and very depressed. In the end, alcohol killed him.

There’s J.P. Batista, a powerful player dubbed “The Beast” when he played here because he could score on anyone, and if he was hungry on the court, which was always, we said “Feed the Beast!” There’s David Pendergraft, perhaps the most beloved generational talent in Gonzaga’s history because he played with unquenchable fire and if he was guarding the best player on the other team, which was nearly always, the other team was in trouble. There’s Ronny Turiaf, a man whose heart was as big as the world, on and off the court. Finally, there’s Mike Nilson, the soul of the first GU teams to break through into the dream of advancing far into March Madness, a beautiful person with uncommon tenacity and loyalty, who serves others with grace and ease. Too many to be named, the players the community has welcomed, known and loved leave a legacy we as dear as any championship run.

In present-day Montana, with its cold winters and far distant towns, the love of high school basketball is a time-honored tradition. Native teams have most often dominated the basketball landscape, winning multiple state titles on the shoulders of modern day warriors who are both highly skilled and intrepid.

Tribal basketball comes like a fresh wind to change the climate of the reservation from downtrodden to celebrational. Plenty Coups with Luke Spotted Bear and Dana Goes Ahead won two state championships in the early eighties. After that, Lodge Grass, under Elvis Old Bull won three straight. Jonathan Takes Enemy remains perhaps the most revered. Deep finger rolls with either hand, his jumpshot a thing of beauty, with his quick vertical leap he threw down 360s, and with power. We played against each other numerous times in high school, his teams still revered by the old guard, a competition fiery and glorious, and then we went our separate ways.

For a few months he attended Sheridan Community College in Wyoming then dropped out.

He played city league, his name appearing in the Billings papers with him scoring over 60 points on occasion, and once 73.

Later I heard he’d done some drinking, gained weight, and become mostly immobile.

But soon after that he cleaned up, lost weight, earned a scholarship at Rocky Mountain College and formed a nice career averaging a bundle of assists and over 20 points a game. A prize-winning article on Takes Enemy appeared in “Sports Illustrated.”

A few years ago we sat down again at a tournament called the Big Sky Games. We didn’t talk much about the past. He’d been off the Crow reservation for awhile, living on the Yakima reservation in Washington. He said he felt he had to leave Montana. He’d found a good job. His vision was on his family. The way his eyes lit up when he spoke of his daughter was a clear reflection of his life, a man willing to sacrifice to enrich others. His face was full of promise, and thinking of her he smiled. “She’ll graduate from high school this year,” he said, and it became apparent to me that the happiness he felt was greater than all the fame that came of the personal honors he had attained.

Jonathan Takes Enemy navigated the personal terrain necessary to be present to to his daughter. I hope to follow him and be present for my daughters. By walking into and through the night he eventually left the dark behind and found light rising to greet him.

Inside me still are the memories of players I knew as a boy, the stories of basketball legends. From Montana, from Gonzaga, from Europe. The geography of such stories still shapes the way I speak or grow quiet, and shapes my understanding of things that begin in fine lines and continue until all the lines are gathered and woven to a greater image. That image, circular, airborne, is the outline and the body of my hope.

The drive is not far and before long I’m at Mission Park. I take the ball from the space in the backseat of my car and walk out onto the court. I approach the top of the key where I bounce the ball twice before I gather and release a high-arcing jumpshot.

Beside me, Blake Walks Nice sends his jumper into the air and Joe Pretty Paint’s follow through stands like the neck of a swan.

The ball falls from the sky toward the open rim and the diamond-patterned net.

Behind us and to the side only darkness.

An arm of steel extends from the high corner of a nearby building.

A light burns there.

As we draw near to another NCAA tournament, I don’t want to forget the dream. The following poem is written in honor of Jose Hernandez, Tony Hampton, Melichi Four Bear, Gernell Killsnight, Jonathan Takes Enemy, Dexter Howard, Doug Christie, J.P. Batista, Ronny Turiaf, David Pendergraft, Mike Nilson, Tim Falls Down, Bobby Jones, Paul Deputee, Blake Walks Nice, Ron Moses and so many other men, each of us inscribed by culture, intuition, race, and love, each of us united by an elegant game, and united by giving ourselves so that others might become more beautiful, more holy. Of the group above, one died a difficult death after years in prison at the outskirts of San Francisco, another was shot in the head by a high-powered rifle at a party near Crow Agency, a third was knifed to death outside Jim Town Bar, a fourth took his own life by hanging, a fifth died of an alcohol-laced car wreck when his vehicle flew from a bridge into a winter river. The rest are still alive. The rest still love with an undying love those who have passed before us to the next world. We receive from them the blessing they give, and we ask God for the mercy to keep the dream.

the way your hands moved through mid-air reaching for round light leather has always been to me not unlike the intimate fusion that connects the core of high magnitude stars

in the place where God shapes bones and ligament, fingers, thumb and palm we hated each other, brother, until basketball made me a point guard and you a swing man flyer who walked on wind

collectively we’d set our bodies to beat one another until our faces cracked like porcelain and blood-rivers ran the cheek-bone shelves of a south sunk in wine-water because America meant us for violence

but better than we knew God knew us and now that the game is over i can’t unremember you enfolding me as I hold you to my heart and you cup your hand to the back of my head

About the Author

Poet and prose writer Shann Ray Ferch teaches leadership and forgiveness studies at Gonzaga University. Ferch is the author of a work of leadership and political theory, Forgiveness and Power in the Age of Atrocity: Servant Leadership as a Way of Life (Rowman & Littlefield), and co-editor of Servant-Leadership, Feminism, and Gender Well-Being (SUNY Press), Servant-Leadership and Forgiveness (SUNY Press), Global Servant-Leadership (Rowman &Littlefield), Conversations on Servant Leadership (SUNY Press) and The Spirit of Servant Leadership (Paulist Press). In his role as professor of leadership studies with the internationally renowned PhD program in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga, he has served as a visiting scholar in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. His novel, American Copper (Unbridled Press), is a love song to America revealing the radiant and profound life of Evelynne Lowry, a woman who transcends the national myth of regeneration through violence. The novel won the Foreword Book of the Year Readers’ Choice Award and the Western Writers of America Spur Award, and was a finalist for the Washington State Book Award, the High Plains Book Award and the Foreword Book of the Year Award for Literary Fiction. Explore more of his writing here . 

• Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies

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Future of Basketball: Trends and Predictions

Welcome to our exploration of the exhilarating world of basketball’s future! In this blog post, we’ll be diving deep into fascinating trends and daring predictions that are set to reshape the game we all love. With dramatic shifts in playing style, technology, and strategies on the horizon, there’s never been a more thrilling time to be a basketball aficionado! So lace-up your metaphorical high-tops, because we’re about to embark on a fast-paced journey through the riveting potential that awaits the game of basketball. Are you ready to be blown away? Let’s slam dunk right into it!

The future of basketball will see significant shifts in playing styles, with an increased focus on positionless players and versatile skillsets. There will also be greater reliance on data analytics and sports science to optimize performance, leading to innovative coaching strategies and training methodologies. Furthermore, advancements in technology will revolutionize fan experiences, creating immersive virtual environments and enhanced engagement opportunities both in-person and online. Overall, the trends and predictions shaping the future of basketball promise to make it an even more thrilling and dynamic sport to enjoy.

Positionless Players and Versatile Skillsets

As the game evolves, traditional positions are becoming less defining, giving rise to positionless basketball. This shift is paving the way for players with diverse skill sets, challenging old narratives about specific roles for different positions on the court. This exciting development in the basketball landscape calls for rethinking coaching and team-building strategies and requires players to adapt their game to stay competitive.

The Swiss Army Knife of the Court

In today’s rapidly evolving game, players with extensive tactical abilities and positional flexibility are highly sought after. These positionless players often excel in various aspects of the game, such as shooting, passing, rebounding, and defending. With statistical indicators and contribution in several areas, these multi-faceted athletes are transforming the dynamics of basketball and pushing boundaries to redefine the sport’s future. As these “Swiss Army Knives” of the court become more prevalent, expect intriguing and competitive matchups unfolding on the hardwood.

Data-Driven Decisions and the Rise of Analytics

As with any modern industry, data analytics has made a significant impact on the world of basketball. From player performance analysis to game strategy formulation, the infusion of data is revolutionizing the way decisions are made in the sport. The sport is also embracing technology that collects and analyzes intricate data, paving the way for teams to identify strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies for opponents and their players.

Maximizing Efficiency through Advanced Statistics

Gone are the days when decisions were solely based on traditional statistics and gut feelings. The future of basketball trends towards the use of advanced analytics, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of both individual and team performance. Metrics such as effective field goal percentage, player efficiency rating (PER), and real plus-minus (RPM) drive innovations in game plans, lineups, and player development. Thus, embracing data and analytics can provide a competitive advantage and contribute to continuous improvement in the sport.

Basketball Science: Biomechanics and Athletic Performance

Optimizing athletic performance is vital in the fiercely competitive world of basketball. As advancements in sports science and biomechanics help us understand human movement, injury prevention, and athletic optimization, basketball training and conditioning methodologies are also evolving.

Customized Training Regimens and Player Development

By amassing personal data and performance metrics using wearable technology, sports scientists can develop individualized player programs to maximize their strength, speed, endurance, and overall performance. Athletes and coaching staff can closely monitor progress and swiftly make adjustments as necessary, paving the way for a more efficient and successful player development process.

Injury Prevention and Recovery

With a better understanding of the human body and biomechanics, injury prevention and recovery have made significant strides in recent years. Proper training and conditioning methods can help reduce the likelihood of injuries, while cutting-edge rehabilitation techniques can hasten recovery times. As the field continues to progress, so too will the benefits to the game of basketball, reducing downtime for injured players and contributing to a more competitive environment.

Innovative Coaching Strategies

As the game of basketball faces a tectonic shift in playing styles, technology, and player profiles, coaches are also re-evaluating their approach to the game. New coaching strategies and approaches are beginning to emerge, forcing organizations to adapt and think differently about their game plans.

Adapting to the Evolution of the Game

With the rise of positionless players, advanced analytics, and breakthroughs in sports science, coaches must continually update their knowledge and skills to keep up with the game’s evolving landscape. This evolution can lead to innovative strategies and tactics built around their teams’ prowess, ensuring basketball remains both competitive and entertaining for fans.

Revolutionizing the Fan Experience

As technology continues to evolve, innovative ways of engaging and connecting with fans are top of mind for basketball’s future. From virtual reality and augmented reality systems to advancements in live streaming and social media capabilities, the way people consume and interact with the game of basketball is rapidly shifting.

Immersive Virtual Environments

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) offer unique opportunities for fans to immerse themselves in the game like never before. With VR, viewers can virtually find themselves courtside or even behind the scenes of their favorite teams, adding unmatched depth and excitement to the experience. Meanwhile, augmented reality can enhance live games and broadcasts with real-time player stats and leaderboards alongside the on-screen action, providing a richer and more dynamic viewing experience for enthusiasts.

Beyond the Court: Social Media and Community

Fans’ connection to the game stretches far beyond the court, and the future of basketball must cater to this passion through avenues like social media and online communities. Real-time game updates, in-depth analysis, and entertaining content driven by daily social media interactions can elevate the fan experience and foster community engagement like never before. Players and teams alike will continue to find new ways to share and connect with their supporters across numerous platforms, ensuring the game thrives both on and off the hardwood.

Basketball’s Global Influence Expands

With basketball’s soaring popularity worldwide, the game’s global reach is only expected to broaden in the years to come. The influx of international talent combined with the growth of grassroots programs and increased accessibility to the sport will facilitate basketball’s expansion not only in established markets but also in untapped regions around the world.

International Stars: A New Basketball History

Today, basketball is a melting pot of diverse skills and talents from across the globe. Current and future international stars are poised to redefine basketball history. Alongside established generations of international players, an increase in international scouting programs and the proliferation of high-quality development academies have laid the groundwork for exposure to more extraordinary talents from diverse cultural backgrounds. When connected by their love for the sport, these global players ultimately advance the game and reshape what we know as the future of basketball.

From positionless players and innovative coaching strategies to the adoption of cutting-edge analytic tools and technology, the future of basketball promises to be an enthralling and dynamic ride for fans and players alike. Embracing these trends and predictions will not only revolutionize the game but will also further solidify basketball’s position as one of the world’s most exciting and influential sports. And with the sport’s ever-growing global appeal, we’re poised to witness phenomenal athleticism, thrilling storylines, and fierce competition that will keep our love for basketball burning brighter than ever.

Wearable Technology and Player Performance Monitoring

As technology progresses, the influence of wearable devices on basketball is becoming more evident. Athletes and teams are adopting wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and smart clothing, to monitor, analyze, and optimize player performance levels. These devices can track various aspects of players’ health, including sleep patterns, energy expenditure, heart rate, and even injury recovery. By utilizing wearable technology, athletes can make informed decisions regarding their training and conditioning, while coaching staff can accurately identify players’ readiness to compete and avoid potential overexertion.

Three-Point Revolution and Offensive Innovations

The “Three-Point Revolution” has significantly altered the game of basketball over the past decade. The value of a successful three-point shot (being worth one more point than a two-pointer) has resulted in teams placing more emphasis on perimeter shooting than ever before. As the game moves further away from the post-centric era, we can anticipate more offensive innovations, such as new ways of creating space and exploiting defensive strategies that create opportunities for high-value shots.

Continued Evolution of the Fast Break

Speed and agility are critical components of modern basketball, with the fast break being a classic example of its importance. The fast break leverages speedy, long-range passes and efficient transitions from defense to offense to generate high-percentage scoring chances. As players become more athletic and versatile, expect the execution of fast breaks to grow even more intricate, creative, and fast-paced in the future.

Advancements in Sustainability and Green Initiatives

As our world becomes more environmentally conscious, basketball is poised to make strides in sustainability and “green” initiatives. These efforts can be seen at various levels of the sport, including eco-friendly arenas, investments in renewable energy, and sustainable products such as basketballs and uniforms. In the future, organizations at all levels of the game will continue working to reduce their carbon footprint and create a more sustainable sport for future generations to enjoy.

Women’s Basketball: Continued Growth and Evolution

As a crucial component of the future of basketball, the growth and evolution of women’s basketball cannot be overstated. From the rise in popularity and viewership of professional leagues like the WNBA to the continued expansion of women’s college hoops, opportunities for female athletes are soaring. As participation rates increase, we can expect continued advancements in player development, coaching techniques, and increased visibility for the women’s game, paving the way for a future filled with competitive and captivating play.

Frequently Asked Questions: Future of Basketball

Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common questions related to the future of basketball, trends, and predictions discussed in our blog post. We’ve provided concise, NLP-style answers to help you grasp the key concepts and intriguing future developments in the sport.

1. What does positionless basketball mean?

Positionless basketball refers to the shift away from traditional, defined roles for players on the court. Instead, it emphasizes versatility in players and their ability to excel in various aspects of the game, irrespective of their traditional position. This change leads to more fluid and dynamic gameplay, challenging conventional coaching and team-building strategies.

2. How are data analytics changing basketball?

Data analytics is revolutionizing basketball by allowing teams to make more informed decisions regarding player performance, game strategy, and player development. Advanced statistics and metrics provide valuable insights into both individual and team performance, driving innovation in game plans, lineups, and player progress.

3. How is sports science influencing basketball?

Sports science, including biomechanics and athletic performance studies, helps optimize player development, training methodologies, and injury prevention. By understanding human movement and performance, basketball can benefit from customized training regimens, advanced injury recovery techniques, and improved athletic performance overall.

4. How are coaching strategies evolving in basketball?

With the rise of positionless players, advanced analytics, and sports science breakthroughs, coaching strategies in basketball are evolving to adapt to these changes. Coaches need to continually update their knowledge, skills, and game plans to remain competitive and successful in the modern basketball landscape.

5. How does technology improve the fan experience in basketball?

Technology enhances the fan experience through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) systems, innovations in live streaming, and improved social media interactions. These advancements create immersive, virtual environments for fans and provide better ways to connect with the game, both in-person and online.

6. What is the future of basketball’s global influence?

Basketball’s global influence is expected to expand due to increasing international talent, growth in grassroots programs, and greater accessibility to the sport. These factors will facilitate the sport’s expansion in established markets and untapped regions worldwide, elevating basketball’s status as a truly global game.

7. How does wearable technology impact basketball?

Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smart clothing, enable athletes and teams to monitor, analyze, and optimize player performance levels in real-time. By utilizing wearable technology, players can make informed decisions about their training and conditioning, while coaching staff can accurately monitor players’ readiness to compete.

8. What is the “Three-Point Revolution” in basketball?

The “Three-Point Revolution” is the significant shift in basketball towards emphasizing perimeter shooting and the effectiveness of three-point shots. This change has transformed the way teams strategize their offensive schemes and requires defenders to adapt to challenging shooting threats from different areas on the court.

9. How are sustainability efforts impacting basketball?

Sustainability efforts are becoming increasingly important in basketball, through eco-friendly arenas, investments in renewable energy, and sustainable products such as basketballs and uniforms. As the sport becomes more environmentally conscious, organizations at all levels will continue working to create a more sustainable future for basketball.

10. What does the future hold for women’s basketball?

The future of women’s basketball is promising, with continued growth in popularity, viewership, and participation. Advancements in player development, coaching techniques, and increased visibility for the women’s game will help drive a more competitive and dynamic future for female athletes on the court.

142 Basketball Topics & Essay Examples

If you need to write a research paper about basketball, it’s useful to read through some essay examples while looking for content ideas. Our team has compiled this selection of the best basketball research topics.

👟Top 10 Basketball Topics to Write about

🏆 best topics about basketball, 🤾 good basketball research topics, 🏀 interesting basketball titles for essays, 🎓 simple & easy basketball essay topics, ❓ research questions for basketball essays.

• Physiology of basketball players.
• Difference in football and basketball mechanics.
• Michael Jordan: basketball legend.
• Professional basketball and health risks.
• Mathematics of the basketball court.
• Comparing NBA basketball teams.
• Is basketball a dangerous sport?
• Bullying in college basketball teams.
• Efficacy of basketball slogans.
• Most famous basketball games of all time.
• The Cost of Running a NBA Basketball Team The estimated value is derived from a breakdown of various aspects such as; Sport which contribute 52% of the total worth Stadium which contribute 16% of the total worth Market which contribute 24% of the […]
• Michael Jordan: The Story of a Basketball Player Michael was born into a large family he is the fourth of the five children in the family, and his parents are James and Deloris Jordan.
• LeBron James’s: Biography of a Famous Basketball Player However, while people hear his name for a number of reasons, LeBron James became famous for his expertise in the game of basketball.
• National Basketball Association SWOT Analysis NBA headquarters are located in the USA, where the largest fan base and players reside. In the USA, the association has a huge fan base.
• Perfect Diet for a Women’s College Basketball Player Due to their complexity, proteins take a while in the body and that means that a lot of energy will be kept in the body only to be released at intervals when the body needs […]
• An Overview of the Game of Basketball The game is played by throwing a puffed-up ball over the heads of the players; the ball goes down through one of the two baskets dangling at each end of the court.
• Rhetorical Analysis of Basketball In this aspect, it is worth considering basketball not only from an emotional and ethical point of view but also from a logical one, thus, the logos.
• Jim Carroll’s Drug Addiction in the Movie “The Basketball Diaries” by Leonardo Dicaprio After the bursting of Jim and apprehending of his friends, using drugs red handed by the couch, disintegration starts taking place in the group and most of the boys lose their essence for being thrown […]
• NBA: Competing on Global Delivery With Akamai OS Streaming Thus, the use of Akamai helps the NBA compete within this market because the company’s services are used to guarantee the provision of the high-quality content around the globe of regardless the location of the […]
• National Basketball Association: Porter’s Forces Analysis One way the use of Akamai has given NBA an edge is through the use of its 25,000 servers located across the globe.
• Changes in NBA History Kirchberg makes a comparison of the growth of the league to the growth of athletes by noting that the league has grown “From the first superstar, center George Mikan of the Minneapolis Lakers, to its […]
• 12-Week Basketball Training Plan for Male Players However, on the other hand, the rhythm of the exercises should be less demanding for the athlete to have time to recover and regain energy after the season.
• World Basketball Legend: Stephen Curry In 2008, he was included in the second symbolic team of the best players in the US Student Championship, and in 2009 Curry played in the first team.
• San Antonio Spurs Analysis: The National Basketball Association San Antonio Spurs is one of the major teams in the National Basketball Association in the United States of America representing the city of San Antonio in the league.
• The US Basketball Teams’ Performance Analysis Data set was obtained from the NBA was categorical to the; NBA Team, year of specific games, points scored, and average level of the competence of the team.
• How White Privilege Works in Basketball White players are not obliged to understand or research the history of racism in sports and basketball. Non-white players are unable to be ignorant of race as they often encounter issues that have racism at […]
• Geometry Web Quest for Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Golf, Volleyball and Pool Field for golf is the biggest and made of grass, sand and water and is the biggest and it has no fixed shape. Soccer field is made of grass or synthetic material and is the […]
• Plyometric Training Effects on Jumping Performance in Junior Basketball Players Before the training procedure, the maximum vertical jump height of the groups was recorded, as well as the results of isometric tests on the maximal voluntary force of hip and knee extensors and the rate […]
• The Business Side of NBA and Other Sports The use of sports and the development of mass media have facilitated the growth of professionalism in sports.”This has created some friction where by the money is seen as more important than the recreational aspect”.
• Mark Cuban’s Leadership Style in a Basketball Team Leadership is the process of influencing people through acts of motivation and providing the employees with the course and the organizational goals.
• Sports Passion: Basketball in the Stadium Once the game is on and the ball is being dribbled on the court, spectators are glued to the ball and where it is.
• NBA Live 08 by EA Sports: History and Gameplay The last “generation” game to be released prior to the NBA Live series was NBA Showdown which was released in 1994 NBA Live 95 was the first of the series to be released and appeared […]
• Kobe Bryant: “Beefsteak” in American Basketball History All through high school, he became star player on the courts and merited sufficient honors and triumphs to compensate for his lack of college basketball experience.
• Racial Diversity in the University Basketball Team In this tournament, I noted that the predominant races in most of the teams were African American and Caucasian. Although the lack of racial diversity in the University’s basketball team is apparent, few people seem […]
• National Basketball Association: Team Work From 1884 to 1889, the Spurs team had a rough time as they lost during all the four seasons, but with the help of Red McCombs, the originator, the team got encouraged and started improving.
• National Basketball Association’s Corporate Culture Therefore, it could be argued that emphasis on social issues, innovative approach to marketing, and size advantages are the main strengths of the league in the process of adaptation to the forces of globalization.
• Donald Sterling and National Basketball Association The scenario has attracted the attention of sports administrators and sociologists who have given their respective interpretations of the events that led to Sterling losing the ownership of the professional basketball franchise of the National […]
• NBA’s Corporate Culture Modernization Project The objective of this project is to explore the consequences for the NBA in terms of its social activity and to analyze the ways it will modernize its corporate culture to address the issues correctly.
• UC Riverside Men’s Basketball Team’s Social Media Marketing In order to increase credibility and maintain professionalism, the proposed website, twitter fan page, and Facebook channels will encompass processes and features that flawlessly facilitate a healthy lifetime relationship between social media and the UCR […]
• The NBA 2K Game as the Element of Popular Culture Despite the original aim of producing the series of popular video games NBA 2K is a popularization of basketball among the representatives of the modern situation, the release of the series also focuses on advertising […]
• Sports and Entertainment Event in the USA: NBA Playoffs The NBA Playoffs is one of the favorite sporting events in the US. The viewer rating for the NBA Playoffs shows that this event is one of the biggest sports and entertainment events in the […]
• UCR Women’s Basketball Marketing Strategies Designing jerseys that contain a logo and the name of the basketball and selling them to fans, supporters, and sponsors effectively promote UCR Women’s Basketball.
• 2011 NBA Lockout: Public Relations Failure The NBA strike began on the 1st of July, 2011 and is still in effect until the time when the NBA owners and the National Basketball Players Association will make a deal.
• The Aspects of Basketball in the American Society In the 1980s, the National Basketball Association was organized in order to represent the interests of the professional players and regulate the main principles of the sport.
• The Basketball Game A basketball is a vital component in the game of basketball at the playing field, commonly referred to as a court and the basket. The lighter the basketball, the easier it is to roll the […]
• Comparison and Contrast of Jordan and Bird in the Game of Basketball
• Comparison Between Basketball and Soccer
• Comparison Between High School and College Basketball and Professional Basketball
• Analysis of the Basketball Community in New York City
• Analysis of the Basketball Game and Rules
• Analysis of the Fail to Succeed for Michael Jordan
• Analysis of the Impact of Money on Athletes in Relation to Basketball Players
• Basketball and Amateur Athletic Union
• Basketball Vs. Baseball
• Differences Between Amateur and Professional Basketball
• New York City Basketball Lost a Legendary Figure Last Week
• Middle Schools Should Return Middle School Basketball
• Effects of the Sport Education Model on University Students Game Performance and Content Knowledge in Basketball
• Employee Discipline and Basketball Referees: A Prediction Market Approach
• Greatest College Basketball Coach of All Time
• Basketball for Short People Basket to Be Lowered
• LeBron James Vs. Kevin Durant in NBA basketball
• Joseph Jefferson Jackson Missed Chance in the Basketball Hall of Fame
• Duration-Specific Peak Acceleration Demands During Professional Female Basketball Matches
• Identifying and Describing the Bad Boy in the Game of Basketball
• Market Evidence Against Widespread Point Shaving in College Basketball
• NBA During the 70s the Rise in Popularity of Basketball
• Suppose That the Price of Basketball Tickets at Your
• Clemon Tigers Men’s Basketball Team
• Broken Dreams and Predictable Future in Ex-Basketball Player by John Updike
• Relationship Between Outcome Uncertainties and Match Attendance: New Evidence in the National Basketball Association
• Joe Jackson Should Have a Place in the Basketball Hall of Fame
• Foreign Players and Competitive Balance in Greek Basketball and Handball Championships
• Practice and Feedback Methods to Improve Performance of Basketball Layups
• Factors determining production (FDP) in basketball
• Beckett Brenn High School All American Basketball Player
• Past, Present and Future of Lithuanian Basketball
• Basketball Comparison Clash Vince Carter
• Biography and Life Work of Basketball Player Michael Jordan
• Biography and Life Work of Larry Bird
• Life Work of Michael Jordan, an American Professional Basketball Player
• History of Basketball, a Popular Sport in America
• A Multicriteria Selection System Based on Player Performance
• Analysis of the Pyramid of Success from the Sports Successes of Basketball Coach John Wooden
• Proposal for a New Draft Process in the National Basketball Associations
• Basketball History: From Origins and Geographical Diffusion
• Basketball in Colleges University
• Basketball Shoes Product Positioning
• Basketball Is the Most Important Factor on Offense
• Benefits of Basketball Is the Most Productive Sport for Children
• Coaching High School Boys’ Basketball
• Corruption in College Basketball
• Consumption Benefits and Gambling: Evidence from the NCAA Basketball Betting Market
• Cultural Manifestation Via a Game of Street Basketball
• Developing a Basketball Training Program
• High School and Phenomenon Basketball Player
• Kobe Bryant: The Best Basketball Player of the Last Decade
• Leadership Qualities and Characteristics of Successful Basketball Coaches
• Marketing Plan for Basketball
• Methods and Techniques Used for Endurance Developing for the Basketball Beginner Teams
• Michael Jordan the Greatest of All Time National Basketball
• National Basketball Association and Cedar Park Center
• National Basketball Association and the Woman National Basketball Association
• Playing For Money / NBA Basketball Players and Personal Greed
• Professional Basketball Physical Performance and Genetic Predisposition
• Development and Evolution of Basketball
• Difference Between College and Professional Basketball
• Effect of Additional Police Force on Crime Rate: Evidence from Women’s Japan Basketball League
• History of Modern Basketball
• Media and Its Effects on the Sport of Basketball
• Women’s College Basketball History and Background
• Who Is Your Favorite Basketball Player?
• How Can Basketball Affect the Growth of a Child
• How a Basketball Player Vertical Jump Hang Time?
• Does Mental Imagery Improve the Performance of Free Throws in Basketball?
• Why Lebron Is the Best Basketball Player of His Time?
• What Muscles Does a Basketball Player Primarily Focus on?
• How Earl Lloyd Changed Basketball History?
• How Can Basketball Affect the Growth of a Child?
• What Does the Material Record Tell Us About Human Use of Space at the Basketball Courts?
• How Has Basketball Changed My Life?
• Does Basketball Star Endorsement Work in China?
• How to Increase Stamina in Basketball with Physical Exercises?
• Are Sunk Costs Irrelevant in the Basketball?
• How Did Basketball Influence the Philippines?
• How Does Gravity Limit my Potential as a Basketball Player?
• Do You Agree that Football Play is equal to Professional Athletes?
• What Does It Take to Be a Basketball Player?
• Does the Basketball Market Believe in the ‘Hot Hand’?
• How the Dream Team Changed Basketball Forever?
• How Basketball Statistics Affect Winning Percentage for NCAA Division?
• Are Former Professional Basketball Athletes and Native Better Coaches?
• What Does Basketball Look Like Without Michael Jordan?
• Does Early Career Achievement Lead in the Basketball to Earlier Death?
• Are Professional Basketball Players Reference-Dependent?
• Does Gender Affect Compensation Among NCAA Basketball Coaches?
• How Being a Basketball Player Teaches You to Handle Defeat?
• Are You Someone Waiting to Enter the World of Basketball?
• What a Basketball Player Should Eat?
• How Is Basketball Affected by Biomechanics?
• Should College Basketball Be Banned?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Choose Your Destiny: The Future Promises Options for NBA Prospects

P: Kylie O'Sullivan

Despite a globalizing game, Americans still make up 80% of NBA rosters. For that 80%, the path to the league after high school has traditionally been much more singular than those of their foreign counterparts. Top recruits generally attend college for a year then get drafted, or, play multiple years in the NCAA and hoping their draft stock rises (and that they stay healthy long enough to cash in).

Since 2005, just 12 Americans have played in an NBA game without attending college. Over the past few years however, the spectrum of opportunities for American high school prospects has been broadening and the views of the NCAA and the advantages of college ball have been changing.

As of 2021, athletes from the United States had to be at least one year removed from high school to be eligible for the NBA Draft. Some players, like 2020’s third overall pick and 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball, chose to play professionally in a different country for a year before the NBA. Others, like 2021 top- 10  picks Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga, selected to play in the NBA’s developmental league, the G League. Most high school prospects however elect to play college basketball, many for just a single season in order to meet draft requirements.

There has been recent criticism by NBA athletes who see the “one and done” trend as more of a detriment than a benefit for the players. A large critique of the NCAA has been their lack of compensation for athletes and particularly their exploitation of basketball players. Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons was particularly frustrated with his experience during his one year at LSU and the “education,” or lack thereof, he received at the accredited university.

“Everybody’s making money except the players,” Simmons said in the 2016 Showtime documentary, One & Done . “We’re the ones waking up early as hell to be the best teams and do everything they want us to do and then the players get nothing. They say education, but if I’m there for a year, I can’t get much education.”

The alternative to the one year playing in the NCAA can be quite fruitful for some athletes. The G League’s new team, G League Ignite  offers six figure professional contracts to top high school recruits and gives them the opportunity to play against more experienced competition. Perhaps the most decorated recruit to join Ignite for the 2020-21 season was ESPN’s top 2020 prospect, Jalen Green. Green signed a contract worth $500,000 with the team and went on to lead Ignite in points before being selected second overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 Draft.

Green spoke about his decision to play in the G League rather than college on his Instagram Live in April of 2020, and cited the potential for development in the G League. “I think the main reason for [signing with the G League] is I wanted to get better, I wanted to develop a better game so that way I can be ready for the NBA,” Green said. “I think this is the best route to prepare myself [for professional basketball].”

Two members of the 2020 Draft chose a less traveled route after high school. R.J. Hampton and LaMelo Ball each took professional contracts in Australia’s National Basketball League. Both players were five-star recruits out of high school, but experienced differing levels of success in their year prior to the NBA. Ball won the league’s Rookie of the Year Award while playing 12 games for the Illawarra Hawks and was drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hornets. Hampton on the other hand scored fewer than nine points a game over his 15-game stint for the New Zealand Breakers and saw his draft stock fall from being a top five pick to being selected 24 th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.

The History

Ball, Hampton and Green are part of a new wave of talent that are approaching the path to professional sports from a different angle, but they are far from the first.

The league’s history with high schoolers can be separated into three rather distinct eras: prior to 1971, 1971-2005, and from 2005 to the present day.

Up until 1971, the NBA required players to be four years removed from high school to be eligible for the Draft. After the 1971 Supreme Court ruling on Haywood v. National Basketball Association allowed players to bypass the four-year rule, two players were selected out of high school in 1975, Daryl Dawkins and Bill Willoughby. For 20 years after that, nobody was selected directly from high school (though several players, like Michael Jordan, left college early), until a 10-year stretch from 1995 to 2005 where 35 Americans were selected. Among those 35 were 10 future All-Stars, three future Hall of Famers and active stars LeBron James and Dwight Howard. In 2005, the current rules came into effect, and it was declared that a player must be at least 19 years of age and one year removed from high school to play in the NBA.

Since 2005, seven of American NBA players who did not attend college played professionally for at least one year first, and seven have been drafted and signed in the last five years.

Throughout the history of the league however, over 4,300 American NBA players have previously attended college, while just 48 never did. The following charts take a more targeted look at this player pool.

Of the 48 Americans to play in the NBA and not attend college, nearly half were lottery picks, players selected within the top 14 picks of a given NBA Draft. This meant that the players who did elect to skip college were considered some of the very best that America’s high schools had to offer. The batch from 1995-2005 had three players selected first overall (Dwight Howard, Kwame Brown and LeBron James) and three MVP winners (Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James).

It is a small sample size, but 10 out of the 48 players that didn’t attend college made All-NBA teams, an 18-percent mark during any given NBA season. In contrast, just one out of every 30 NBA players, or 3.3% of the total NBA player pool, is selected to an All-NBA team. 

The number of American players opting for professional contracts prior to entering the NBA Draft has been trending upwards in recent years. Some athletes claimed level of competition as their reason for going pro while others focused more on the monetary potential of professional leagues. This year however, the NCAA has made drastic changes that may impact how players choose their paths to the NBA moving forward.

At the beginning of July 2021, the NCAA changed their tight rulings on the ways that their athletes can profit off of their name, image and likeness. These rule changes were made in response to a June 21 Supreme Court ruling in which the Court voted unanimously in favor of former NCAA athletes who were suing the NCAA due to their rules preventing student compensation, citing anti-trust laws and The Sherman Act . These changes now allow students to promote themselves and make a profit while in college, something that was forbidden for years.

Still, Northeastern University athletic director Jim Madigan, does not necessarily see this ruling changing the landscape of athletes opting to play professionally rather than going to college.

“I think a lot of the top prospects who may have considered going to the G League or other professional leagues solely for monetary gain may rethink that now,” Madigan says. “There are other players however, who simply thought the competition may be better than in the NCAA, so they won’t be swayed by the new changes.”

The NBA Commissioner’s Office has not made any move to stop high school prospects from playing in the G League following the NCAA’s recent ruling.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver does not seem to have any regrets when it comes to the creation of his Team Ignite. “We created Team Ignite in the G League as an opportunity for players who choose not to go to college and want to become professionals,” Silver says. “They can go directly into the G League and be well compensated.”

As of this point, the success of players like Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga seems to have convinced other top prospects of the potential of the G League. Jaden Hardy, a top-five prospect in the class of 2021, signed with the G League this season. For now though, the majority of prospects are still going to try their hand at college ball with 35 of 247 Sports’ top 50 prospects in the 2021 class having committed to a school, perhaps due to the new potential for compensation under new NIL guidelines.

The next few recruiting classes will be important when it comes to seeing if the top prospects will continue considering other options beyond the NCAA. The G League’s Ignite completed its first season and produced three draft picks, including two within the top 10, and the NCAA will now allow players to be compensated while playing in college. The coming years will tell if prospects still want to play in other leagues for the different types of competition or go to the NCAA and have similar money-making potential if not greater. How high schoolers in America are getting to the NBA is changing, now the question will be how much will things change and what will those changes look like on the professional hardcourt.

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Essays About Basketball: Top 5 Examples and 7 Prompts

Among the many essays about basketball out there, how can you make yours stand out? See this article for examples and prompts that will aid you in writing.

Basketball is a famous sport that has been around for 131 years. It was invented by a Canadian physical education instructor named James Naismith with two objectives: to keep athletes playing indoors during winters and to have a safer sport compared to football.

Over the years, basketball has grown to be a loved sport worldwide. It’s why it’s not surprising that it’s a great subject to talk about in your essay.

Below are examples to learn more about the game and how you can effectively write essays about basketball:

1. What Basketball Taught Me by Josh of San Diego, California

2. essay on basketball –  a sport of agility and endurance by randhir singh, 3. national basketball association and the woman national basketball association by lewis rios, 4. basketball: then vs. now by jaime moss, 5. essay on the last shot by darcy frey by mamie olson, 1. the most important skills for basketball, 2. what i learned through basketball, 3. why do i like basketball, 4. my unforgettable basketball experience, 5. my life as a basketball player, 6. basketball book or movie review, 7. the negative side of basketball.

“I believe basketball has taught me many valuable life lessons, and perhaps more importantly, played a significant role in developing me into the successful student and employee I am today.”

The author talks about how he fell in love with the basketball game – from watching it on television to participating in competitive basketball. He took the game with him as he grew. 

Through this sport, he learned many lessons, including commitment, responsibility, and teamwork. He expounds on how these values helped him through life through his essay. Finally, he ends his piece by encouraging others to try basketball or any sport to have motivation in life. For more, see these articles about basketball .

“Basketball is a sport of agility and endurance that develops by hand and eye co-ordination… Basketball even overtakes baseball as the unofficial American pastime.”

Singh reviews basketball rules and how they changed over time but with the same principles. He discusses the main rules and scenarios straightforwardly, making his essay short but informative. You may also be interested in these articles about baseball .

“Some of the differences between NBA basketball and WNBA basketball appear to be related to the differences in size or physical capacity of men and women… I think we can all come to the conclusion that no matter what the gender is or what the rules are, that both of them are out on the basketball court to just WIN.”

Rios’ essay focuses on the differences between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women’s NBA. Some of the things he mentions are ESPN and their basketball video game, where fewer people spend time on WNBA. Additionally, owners of WNBA significantly make less from their teams, thus having less to invest in or pay their players.

He also talks about some similarities between NBA and WNBA, including their popularity among fans. At the end of his essay, Rios hopes he has shared enough information with his readers about basketball.

“Other changes such as uniform colors, dunking rules, regulation on backboards… some over and over again until they became what they are today… Basketball is a great American sport, and perhaps one that requires the most skill along with a great mental game.”

Moss’ essay consists of James Naismith’s original 13 basketball rules and how these rules evolved. These modifications were done to make the game more efficient and fun. Some significant changes include dribbling, boundary lines, and pointing systems. 

He also mentions the controversy surrounding the three-pointer and how it affected the other game rules. In the future, basketball’s rules will continue to develop.

“I do think basketball is a valid option for most students to escape poverty… Basketball may open a few doors but there’s still no guarantee.”

The author recounts what The Last Shot by Darcy Frey is all about, retelling the story of Russel, Tchaka, Stephon, and Cory, who lived in a dangerous neighborhood and found escape in basketball. She then relays her input of basketball, helping these characters stay out of trouble, but it still isn’t enough to prepare them for the lives they’ll have to endure. 

She further expounds on the events in the book, centering on the direct relation between academics and basketball in the story. You might also be interested in these essays about volleyball .

7 Prompts on Essays About Basketball

After understanding more about the different subtopics of basketball, here are prompts that you can get inspiration from for your essay:

You don’t have to be a basketball player to know what skills are in demand for the game. You can simply be a fan or a casual spectator who knows how the game works. Tell your readers what you are so they can appreciate your essay from your point of view. 

Dedication, commitment, and consistency are only some of the things you develop when you love a sport. If you’re not a player yourself, but a close relative is, you can relay what they told you about basketball.

For example, you can relate to what your father tells you when you watch basketball gameplays with him. He may say he loves a particular team because of their teamwork. He may also say it shows in their gameplay. Then, you can delve into what “teamwork” means.

Like the other prompts in this list, this particular prompt doesn’t need you to be a player. Instead, to give you an idea, you can share your experience with the game, such as watching gameplay and liking how the people cheer for the players.

 You can also narrate how great the game was, not because the players are professionals but because they never give up.

If you’re a basketball player yourself, feel free to recount a scene that played out in one of your games that you will never forget. Describe how you got to that point and why. Include what it made you feel like then and what it makes you feel now. 

If you expect non-players to read your piece, write in a way that non-players will understand by avoiding basketball jargon. Or you can briefly explain what those related terms mean, so every reader will understand why it’s a memory you hold dear.

If no one thing stands out for you during your time as a basketball player, you can still write about it in the general term. For instance, you can share how a day in your life went when you were a player.

There are many books, movies, and literary pieces that you can check out and write an essay about. If you have a favorite piece about basketball, briefly summarize it and list why you’re so fond of it. You can also persuade your readers to check out the book themselves through these prompts.

Are you new to persuasive writing? For help with this topic, read our guide explaining what is persuasive writing ?

You can write about the problems connected to the game to give your essay a different atmosphere, such as the potential injuries for players, bullying within a team, or how few only make it to professional basketball. You can talk about something you want to give attention to and let your readers know your thoughts on it.

On the other hand, you can also share a bad experience related to basketball, like your father preferring to watch basketball on television than play with you and your siblings.

Here’s a great tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Author Interviews

A conversation with the author of 'there's always this year'.

NPR's Scott Detrow speaks to Hanif Abdurraqib about the new book There's Always This Year . It's a mix of memoir, essays, and poems, looking at the role basketball played in Abdurraqib's life.

SCOTT DETROW, HOST:

The new book "There's Always This Year" opens with an invitation. Here's a quote - "if you please imagine with me, you are putting your hand into my open palm, and I am resting one free hand atop yours. And I am saying to you that I would like to commiserate here and now about our enemies. We know our enemies by how foolishly they trample upon what we know as affection, how quickly they find another language for what they cannot translate as love." And what follows from that is a lyrical book about basketball but also about geography, luck, fate and many other things, too. It's also about how the career arc of basketball great LeBron James is woven through the life of the book's author, Hanif Abdurraqib, who joins us now. Welcome back to the show.

HANIF ABDURRAQIB: Thank you for having me again, Scott. It's really wonderful to be here.

DETROW: You know, I love this book so much, but I'm not entirely sure how to describe it. It's part memoir, part meditation, part poetry collection, part essay collection. How do you think about this book?

ABDURRAQIB: You know, it's funny. I've been running into that too early on in the process and now - still, when I'm asked to kind of give an elevator pitch. And I think really, if I'm being honest, that feels like an achievement to me because so much of...

DETROW: Yeah.

ABDURRAQIB: ...My intent with the book was working against a singular aboutness (ph) or positioning the book as something that could be operating against neat description because I think I was trying to tie together multiple ideas, sure, through the single - singular and single lens of basketball. But I kind of wanted to make basketball almost a - just a canvas atop which I was laying a lot of other concerns, be it mortality or place or fatherhood and sonhood (ph) in my case. I think mostly it's a book about mortality. It's a book about the passage of time and attempting to be honest with myself about the realities of time's passing.

DETROW: Yeah, it seems to me like it could also be a book about geography, about being shaped by the place you grew up in and that moment where you choose to stay or leave, or maybe leave and come back. And I was hoping you could read a passage that that deals directly with that for us.

ABDURRAQIB: Of course. Yeah. This is from the third quarter or the third act of the of the book.

(Reading) It bears mentioning that I come from a place people leave. Yes, when LeBron left, the reactions made enough sense to me, I suppose. But there was a part of me that felt entirely unsurprised. People leave this place. There are Midwestern states that are far less discernible on a blank map, sure. Even with an understanding of direction, I am known to mess up the order of the Dakotas. I've been known to point at a great many square-like landscapes while weakly mumbling Nebraska. And so I get it. We don't have it too bad. People at least claim to know that Ohio is shaped like a heart - a jagged heart, a heart with sharp edges, a heart as a weapon. That's why so many people make their way elsewhere.

DETROW: What does Ohio, and specifically, what does Columbus mean to you and who you are?

ABDURRAQIB: I think at this stage in my life, it's the one constant that keeps me tethered to a version of myself that is most recognizable. You know, you don't choose place. Place is something that happens to you. Place is maybe the second choice that is made for you after the choice of who your parents are. But if you have the means and ability, there are those of us who at some point in our lives get to choose a place back. And I think choosing that place back doesn't happen once. I mean, it happens several times. It's like any other relationship. You are choosing to love a place or a person as they are, and then checking in with if you are capable of continuing to love that place or person as they evolve, sometimes as they evolve without you or sometimes as you evolve without them. And so it's a real - a math problem that is always unfolding, someone asking the question of - what have I left behind in my growth, or what has left me behind in a growth that I don't recognize?

So, you know, Columbus doesn't look the way - just from an architectural standpoint - does not look the way it looked when I was young. It doesn't even look the way it looked when I moved back in 2017. And I have to kind of keep asking myself what I can live with. Now that, for me, often means that I turn more inward to the people. And I began to think of the people I love as their own architecture, a much more reliable and much more sturdy architecture than the architecture that is constantly under the siege of gentrification. And that has been grounding for me. It's been grounding for me to say, OK, I can't trust that this building will stay. I can't trust that this basketball court will stay. I can't trust that this mural or any of it will stay. But what I do know is that for now, in a corner of the city or in many corners of the city, there are people who know me in a very specific way, and we have a language that is only ours. And through that language, we render each other as full cities unto ourselves.

DETROW: Yeah. Can you tell me how you thought about basketball more broadly, and LeBron James specifically, weaving in and out of these big questions you're asking? - because in the first - I guess the second and third quarter, really, of the book - and I should say, you organize the book like a basketball game in quarters. You know, you're being really - you're writing these evocative, sad scenes of how, like you said, your life was not unfolding the way you wanted it in a variety of ways. And it's almost like LeBron James is kind of floating through as a specter on the TV screen in the background, keeping you company in a moment where it seems to me like you really needed company. Like, how did you think about your relationship with basketball and the broader moments and the broader thoughts in those moments?

ABDURRAQIB: Oh, man, that's not only such a good question, but that's actually - that's such a good image of LeBron James on the TV in the background because it was that. In a way, it was that in a very plainly material, realistic, literal sense because when I was, say, unhoused - right? - I...

ABDURRAQIB: ...Would kind of - you know, sometimes at night you kind of just wander. You find a place, and you walk through downtown. And I remember very clearly walking through downtown Columbus and just hearing the Cavs games blaring out of open doors to bars or restaurants and things like that, and not having - you know, I couldn't go in there because I had no money to buy anything, and I would eventually get thrown out of those places.

So, you know, I think playing and watching basketball - you know, even though this book is not, like, a heavy, in-depth basketball biography or a basketball memoir, I did spend a lot of time watching old - gosh, so much of the research for this book was me watching clips from the early - mid-2000s of...

ABDURRAQIB: ...LeBron James playing basketball because my headspace while living through that was entirely different. It's like you said, like LeBron was on a screen in the background of a life that was unsatisfying to me. So they were almost, like, being watched through static. And now when I watch them, the static clears, and they're a little bit more pleasureful (ph). And that was really joyful.

DETROW: LeBron James, of course, left the Cavs for a while. He took his talents to South Beach, went to the Miami Heat. You write - and I was a little surprised - that you have a really special place in your heart for, as you call them, the LeBronless (ph) years and the way that you...

ABDURRAQIB: Oh, yeah.

DETROW: ...Interacted with the team. What do you think that says? And why do you think you felt that way and feel that way about the LeBronless Cavs?

ABDURRAQIB: I - you know, I'm trying to think of a softer word than awful. But you know what? They were awful.

DETROW: (Laughter).

ABDURRAQIB: I mean they were (laughter) - but that did not stop them from playing this kind of strange level of hard, at times, because I think it hit a point, particularly in the late season, where it was clear they were giving in and tanking. But some of those guys were, like, old professionals. There's, like, an older Baron Davis on that team. You know, some of these guys, like, did not want to be embarrassed. And...

ABDURRAQIB: ...That, to me, was miraculous to watch where - because they're still professionals. They're still NBA players. And to know that these guys were playing on a team that just could not win games - they just didn't have the talent - but they individually did not want to - at least did not want to give up the appearance that they weren't fighting, there's something beautiful and romantic about that to me.

DETROW: It makes a lot of sense why you end the book around 2016 when the Cavs triumph and bring the championship to Cleveland. But when it comes to the passage of time - and I'll say I'm the exact same age as you, and we're both about the same age as LeBron. When it comes to the passage of time, how do you present-day feel about LeBron James watching the graying LeBron James who's paying so much attention to his lower back? - because I don't have anywhere near the intense relationship with him that you do. But, I mean, I remember reading that Sports Illustrated when it came out. I remember watching him in high school on ESPN, and I feel like going on this - my entire adult life journey with him. And I feel like weirdly protective of LeBron James now, right? Like, you be careful with him.

ABDURRAQIB: Yeah.

DETROW: And I'm wondering how you think about him today and what that leads your brain to, given this long, long, long relationship you have with him.

ABDURRAQIB: I find myself mostly anxious now about LeBron James, even though he is still - I think he's still playing at a high level. I mean, I - you know, I think that's not a controversial statement. But I - while he is still playing at a high level, I do - I'm like everyone else. So I'm kind of aware that it does seem like parts of him - or at least he's paying a bit more attention to the aches that just come with aging, right?

ABDURRAQIB: I have great empathy and sympathy for an athlete who's dedicated their life to a sport, who is maybe even aware that their skills are not what they once were, but still are playing because that's just what they've done. And they are...

ABDURRAQIB: ...In some cases, maybe still in pursuit of one more ring or one more legacy-building exploit that they can attach to their career before moving on to whatever is next. And so I don't know. And I don't think LeBron is at risk of a sharp and brutal decline, but I do worry a bit about him playing past his prime, only because I've never seen him be anything but miraculous on the court. And to witness that, I think, would be devastating in some ways.

And selfishly, I think it would signal some things to me personally about the limits of my own miracle making, not as a basketball player, of course, but as - you know, because a big conceit of the book is LeBron and I are similar in age, and we have - you know, around the same age and all this. And I think a deep flaw is that I've perhaps attached a part of his kind of miraculous playing beyond what people thought to my own idea about what miracle is as you age.

And so, you know, to be witness to a decline, a sharp decline would be fascinating and strange and a bit disorienting. But I hope it doesn't get there. You know, I hope - I would like to see him get one more ring. I don't know when it's going to come or how it's going to come, but I would like to see him get one more. I really would. My dream, selfishly, is that it happens again in Cleveland. He'll come back here and team up with, you know, some good young players and get one more ring for Cleveland because I think Cavs fans, you know, deserve that to the degree that anyone deserves anything in sports. That would be a great storybook ending.

DETROW: The last thing I want to ask about are these vignettes and poems that dot the book in praise of legendary Ohio aviators. Can you tell me what you were trying to do there? And then I'd love to end with you reading a few of them for me.

ABDURRAQIB: Yeah. I'm so glad you asked about that. I haven't gotten to talk about that as much, and that - those were the first things I wrote for the book. I wrote 30 of them...

DETROW: Really?

ABDURRAQIB: ...I think. And of course, they all didn't make it. But that was kind of an exercise, like a brain exercise. And I was trying to play with this idea of starting out with folks who were literally aviators. So it begins with John Glenn and Lonnie Carmen, and then working further and further away from aviation in a literal sense, much like the book is working further and further away from, say, basketball in this concrete sense - because ascension in my mind isn't just moving upward, it is expansion, too. It is, I think, any directional movement away from where your position is. And so I got to be kind of flexible with ideas of ascent and growth and moving upward.

DETROW: And the last aviator you did this for was you. And I'm hoping you can read what you wrote about yourself to end this.

ABDURRAQIB: Oh, gosh. OK, yeah. This is Hanif Abdurraqib, Columbus, Ohio, 1983 to present. (Reading) Never dies in his dreams. In his dreams, he is infinite, has wings, feathers that block the sun. And yet in the real living world, the kid has seen every apocalypse before it arrives, has been the architect of a few bad ones. Still wants to be alive most days. Been resurrected so many damn times, no one is surprised by the magic trick anymore.

DETROW: That's Hanif Abdurraqib, author of the new book "There's Always This Year: On Basketball And Ascension." Thank you so much.

ABDURRAQIB: Thank you, Scott. I really appreciate it.

(SOUNDBITE OF FLEETWOOD MAC SONG, "ALBATROSS")

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How basketball creates change, hope and inspires individuals in parts of the world where it's needed

XI'AN - Basketball is more than just a game, something that is being proved over and over in countries all around the world. It is a sport, yes, but it is more than that. It changes lives.

The social impact of basketball is undeniable. That was a topic of a panel discussion at last month's FIBA World Basketball Summit in China.

"IT (BASKETBALL) IS AN AMAZING TOOL. IT HAS A CONVENING POWER, IT CAN REACH DIVERSE SEGMENTS OF SOCIETY THAT TRADITIONALLY MIGHT BE HARD TO REACH FOR VARIOUS FACTORS OF EXCLUSION." - Caroline Baxter, Sports Policy Specialist, UNESCO

Karen Doubilet, the Managing Director of PeacePlayers International, gave stirring opening remarks about how basketball is making a positive impact on children in Israel. 

"I think the best example of how we use sport for social impact is looking at the city of Jerusalem where we have Palestinian and Israeli children - they live literally across the road from one another - and they have absolutely no opportunity for positive interaction, which means they know each other only through media, through myth and through what’s passed down through their families and through their education system," she said.

"(But) Everyone speaks the language of basketball. Everyone can meet as equals on the basketball court. So what we do is use basketball to try and create a space where people can get to know each other, see the humanity in one another, build friendships, change attitudes, change behaviors. We’re also using the sport to instill psychological resources like self-confidence and leadership skills so that the participants can grow up and become effective agents for change in their communities."

Florian Wanninger, representing FIBA's Foundation, the International Basketball Foundation (IBF) , reminded everyone of the very powerful words of Nelson Mandela.

"What does it mean social impact? I always use a quote from Nelson Mandela: 'Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite people in the way that little else does. It speaks to youth in the language that they understand,'" he said. "We have this unique opportunity to use sport for development, not only develop sport, but use sport for development." 

"EVERYONE SPEAKS THE LANGUAGE OF BASKETBALL. EVERYONE CAN MEET AS EQUALS ON THE BASKETBALL COURT." - Karen Doubilet, Managing Director of PeacePlayers International

Caroline Baxter, a sports policy specialist with UNESCO, was also on hand in Xi'an and agreed that basketball is uniquely positioned to make a social impact.

"It’s an amazing tool," she said. "It has a convening power, it can reach diverse segments of society that traditionally might be hard to reach for various factors of exclusion. So that could be people living in hard-to-reach places, small islands, it can be people that are excluded, they might be females in a society where females aren't allow to participate. We can leverage its power."

Sport, Doubilet went on, has a tremendous power to transcend all types of barriers because "whether it's socioeconomics, gender, national, religious, whether you are Jewish, Protestant, Muslim, Catholic, we all play basketball according to the same rules."

"Specifically among Palestinians and Israelis, I want to mention that basketball is the number one sport for women so it has a tremendous power to engage 50 percent of our society which is often left on the sidelines. Basketball is a game where all five players have to share the ball, they have to work together, they need great communication, trust. If we want to win the game, we have to work together so that makes it a very, very powerful tool for peace building."

The game also reaches a key target demography - the youth.

"Basketball appeals to youngsters," Wanninger said. "I think it's one of those sports that will grow in urban areas where we face the challenges we want to tackle. We are a team sport, so you can only be successful if you work as a team. We always try to promote 3x3 basketball. In grassroots basketball, you do not have referees. So when you play the game and you commit the foul, you have to confess the foul as an attacking player which is something that help us achieve our objectives."

"I ALWAYS USE A QUOTE FROM NELSON MANDELA: 'SPORT HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD. IT HAS THE POWER TO UNITE PEOPLE IN THE WAY THAT LITTLE ELSE DOES. IT SPEAKS TO YOUTH IN THE LANGUAGE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND.'" - Florian Wanninger, FIBA Foundation

Wanninger was also keen to stress the importance of grassroots basketball.

"At FIBA, in our membership, our national federations, I think we have a tendency to focus on elite sports," he said. "That's one of our most important roles because  every country wants to be competitive and win something.

"But we have to promote this other element that we can use sports in another way, by investing in grassroots.  I know many of our member federations are doing this already. One of our principles is, whenever we do projects, we like to involve the federations and use the projects to help develop the federations."

There is also a need, Doubilet said, for everyone in the sport to keep working hard and do so together.

"Basketball has incredible power that we need to leverage, both in the public and private sector - FIBA and the NBA, the non-governmental organizations (NGOs)," she said. "We need to work together to scale up our impact to increase what we are doing.

"Funding is a major challenge that all of us face. What we are doing works, and I have empirical data that it works. We cannot stop what we are doing."

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The Road to Success: How College Basketball Shapes Future Sports Professionals

College basketball has been an important step for a lot of athletes on their way to becoming great pros

College basketball has been an important step for a lot of athletes on their way to becoming great pros. This piece looks at how college basketball affects the careers of athletes who will go on to be famous.

From learning new skills to getting recruited, college basketball is a big part of developing young ability and getting them ready for the challenges of the real world.

The Role of College Basketball in Shaping Sports Professionals

Development of athletic skills.

College basketball gives players a unique chance to improve their physical skills. Under the direction of experienced coaches, basketball players can improve their skills and learn more about the game. The competitive college environment helps players improve and pushes them to their limits, which increases their chances of being successful in the pros.

Exposure and Opportunities

When you play college basketball, you get to meet more people. As players participate in national tournaments and championships, coaches, scouts, and people who like sports watch them. The publicity they get during their college careers makes it more likely that they will get good sports jobs in the future.

Navigating the Recruitment Process

High school performance matters.

When it comes to college hoops, the road to success often starts in high school. College recruiters pay attention to how well a student does in games and events while in high school. During the hiring process, academic performance and attitude are also very important.

Showcasing Talents in Tournaments

When players take part in regional and national events, they get a chance to show off their skills. Coaches pay close attention to these events so they can find possible players who can help their college basketball teams in a big way.

Coaches and Scouts’ Evaluations

College basketball recruiters look at a player’s skills, work ethic, and how well he or she fits with the team’s way of play, among other things. Based on these ratings, a player is given either a scholarship or a spot on the team.

The College Basketball Experience

Balancing academics and athletics.

College basketball is more than just about being strong and fast. Student athletes have to find a good balance between their schoolwork and their training routines. This helps build focus and time-management skills that are useful in the workplace.

Balancing academics and athletics is challenging for college basketball players. They must excel in studies while devoting time to training and competition. Managing classes, assignments, and games can be overwhelming. This experience fosters valuable life skills like time management and discipline. Colleges provide support systems like tutoring to assist students.

In the midst of this balance, some athletes reflect on their essay about greatest achievement in life , encapsulating growth on and off the court. Samplius will help you with inspiration for your essay. This personal reflection reminds them of the dedication and determination needed to succeed academically and athletically. Striking this balance becomes a testament to their resilience and shapes their future as sports professionals.

Importance of Coaching and Training

College players need good teaching and training programs in order to grow. Coaches don’t just teach players how to play basketball; they also teach them life skills that go beyond the court and help them become well-rounded people.

Transitioning to the Professional Level

Nba draft and g-league.

The National Basketball Association ( NBA ) is a group of professional basketball players. The NBA Draft is how talented players get into the game, and the NBA G-game is where they can improve their skills even more.

Overseas Opportunities

Players can choose to go to work abroad as professionals. International leagues let players try out different styles of play and give skilled athletes contracts that pay well.

Benefits of College Experience in Pro Career

College basketball helps players get ready for the difficulties they will face in the pros. College sports are a great way to get ready for the pros because they have tough competition, a lot of media attention, and a lot of travel.

Life After College Basketball

Pursuing other careers in sports.

Some basketball players make it their life’s work, but others move on to jobs like teaching, sports management, or sports broadcasting.

Utilizing Network and Alumni Connections

College basketball has a large network of former players and contacts in the sports business. Using these links to your advantage can lead to exciting opportunities after you leave the game.

Challenges Faced by College Basketball Players

Physical and mental demands.

College basketball has a busy routine that can be hard on players’ bodies and minds. They often have to deal with injuries and being tired.

NCAA Regulations and Controversies

There has been a lot of talk about NCAA rules and disagreements about how student athletes should be paid. It is still hard to find a good balance between amateurism and treating sportsmen fairly.

Overcoming Adversities and Cultivating Resilience

Dealing with injuries.

There will always be injuries in sports. Players in college basketball need to learn how to deal with injuries and come back better.

Coping with Performance Pressure

The pressure to do well can be too much. College basketball is a great place to learn how to deal with stress and do your best when you’re under a lot of pressure.

Stories of Success: Notable College-to-Pro Athletes

Michael jordan.

Michael Jordan, one of the most famous players of all time, got better at his sport at the University of North Carolina before he became a legend in the NBA.

LeBron James

LeBron James, who is often called the best basketball player of his age, skipped college basketball and went straight from high school to the NBA. But his success has made young players want to reach for the stars.

Tim Duncan’s successful college basketball career at Wake Forest University set the stage for his famous NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs.

Maya Moore had a great college basketball career at the University of Connecticut, which set her up for a great WNBA career.

Impact of College Basketball on Other Sports

College basketball has an effect on more than just hoops. Athletes in other sports are encouraged to follow their dreams by the stories of success and the lessons they learned.

The Future of College Basketball

As college basketball continues to change, it will become an even more important part of how future sports pros are made. The college basketball experience will get even better as technology improves, rules change, and training programs get better.

College basketball can change the lives of people who want to be professional athletes. It connects talented young players to success by giving them the tools and chances they need to grow. College basketball can be a stepping stone to a great future in sports if you work hard, don’t give up, and love the game.

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Essay: The Art Of Projecting A Player’s Future Value

Making statistical projections on a basketball player—using numbers from both the past and present in an attempt to calculate future performance—isn’t just an inexact science, it’s hopeless. People love figuring things out, and can’t seem to accept an unsolvable situation, even as its obviousness kicks them in the teeth. Not to become one with an inner Grady Fuson, but there’s so much more intuitive evaluation that goes into a basketball player than a simple equation can encompass. The 1,000 jump shots a day that could or could not boost a player’s FG% up 40 percent, or continuous up and down the court ball handling drills to the point where a guy’s sneakers need to be replaced every three days are just two of the million variables that weigh on an unpredictable future.

What if Carmelo Anthony spent his entire offseason traveling around Australia, posing for pictures with cuddly Koala Bears? Besides smelling really bad, chances are his game wouldn’t improve in any area, and all the calculations regarding how he’d likely perform in the upcoming season would be rendered useless.

Then there’s the chemical factor. Baseball isn’t like basketball. There’s no one on one match-up that repeats itself over and over again until the game is over. Watching the game of basketball is like dipping your finger in a running river in that you’ll never get the same experience twice. Basketball players feed off one another and a lot of them need to be placed in the correct environment in order to reach their full potential, as opposed to baseball, where a murderer’s row lineup will always hit better than an average one because each piece isn’t entirely dependent on another. (Sure there’s protection, but managers who willingly place men on base are letting the very statistical insurgence this article is all about pass them by—they don’t last too long.)

I do believe advanced statistics are the smartest way to evaluate a player’s current value—there’s no debating it—but something about people trying to predict what’s going to happen down to the decimal point rubs me the wrong way.

Instead, I’ve decided to try my best looking down the road the old fashion way: through subjective gut feelings, supposed basketball knowledge, and, what the hell, a few numbers here and there. This post will look at players who should make immeasurable improvements next season, and players who will fall back to earth, into their limitations. Two players for each position will be selected, one good and one bad.

The list kind of resembles two overrated/underrated starting fives, while also resembling a stock market of sorts—if today you bought a team of random players, whose value would skyrocket and whose would take a generous dip into regression. The players who find themselves on the devalued list are still very talented and important to their respective teams, but I’m predicting this upcoming season won’t be as impressive as their last. Not only will there be a statistical drop off, but the player’s overall impact should slide a bit as well. 

Point Guard:

Rising: Ty Lawson

Last season, the tiny blur who is Ty Lawson averaged 3.8 shots at the rim in just 26.3 minutes per game. He was a whirling dervish of sorts, rumbling to the basket like a controlled ball of chaos, and once arriving there, shooting 63.2%. (As a Net, Deron Williams averaged the exact same amount of shots at the rim, but was exactly 10 percentage points lower. Yes his wrist was hurt and the sample size is small, but it’s definitely something to ponder.)

Combine this with the lingering stench of his famous 10-11 three-point performance (in 31 minutes), and what you have is the most difficult player to defend in the league who nobody talks about. Now with Chauncey Billups and Ray Felton gone, he’s the unquestioned starter. (Andre Miller’s aboard as the wily veteran backup in what could be the last year of his career, but make no mistake who’s running things.) And with Carmelo Anthony in New York, J.R. Smith to China, and Nene possibly walking in free agency, Lawson just might be Denver’s number one offensive option.

According to 82games.com, Lawson notches 5.2 assists for every bad pass, a number that matches up quite well with some of the league’s more prominently known play makers. (Derrick Rose is 4.1, Rajon Rondo is 4.8, John Wall is 4.9, and LeBron James is 4.2. Meanwhile, Chris Paul is 7.7.) I know those numbers aren’t on a per minute basis, and those guys handled the ball a LOT more than Lawson last year, but what it says about him as a point guard is good news. He isn’t a two guard stuck in a one’s body; he’s more than capable of creating favorable circumstances for teammates, opening lanes, and seeing the easiest possible scoring opportunity when the right option eventually develops. Who saw that coming two years ago?

Denver was a mess after the All-Star break last year. The team was an international scandal of scattered pieces, a New York Knicks/Denver Nuggets hybrid that didn’t have anyone close to qualifying as a go-to scorer, captain, or undisputed best player. Sure they had depth, but a lot of the new players overlapped with the ones leftover, and almost everybody lacked a clearly defined role. It started out as a positive with the Nuggets able to attack their opponents from all angles, but eventually fizzled to a whimper in the playoffs against the disciplined, well-defined, supremely talented Oklahoma City Thunder. Ty Lawson started 25 games for the Nuggets after the trade, and the result was a numbers explosion. In February he averaged 8.3 points, 3.9 assists, and shot 45/35/68%. In March he was a different player: 16.3 points, 7.5 assists, shooting 53/40/88%. It’s to be seen whether he’s one day worthy to make the team, but those are All-Star worthy numbers

Here’s the case of a player being provided an opportunity and giving it a humongous hug. Next year he plants it a kiss.

Honorable Mention: Kyle Lowry, John Wall

Falling: J.J. Barea

Apart from teammate and major benefactor Dirk Nowitzki, nobody came close to being the darling of 2011’s postseason. Heading into the NBA Finals, Barea was seen as the championship series’ X-Factor. If he played well Dallas would win, and if he didn’t they would fall. He was an offensive maestro on the court, albeit a one-dimensional one, and a defensive pest, able to draw offensive fouls with the best of them. Barea symbolically embodied the team he played for, and that team won it all, so it’s only natural for people to draw the conclusion that players like J.J. Barea are vital in building winning basketball teams.

To a certain degree this is true. He’s an offensive firecracker who can take over an entire game for five minute periods, but if his shot isn’t falling or the opponent is quick enough to defend the pick and roll then the firecracker lacks a spark.

When he fearlessly went mid-air to take Andrew Bynum’s cheap forearm shiver, the moment captured the country as a defining underdog triumph, and, depending what city you live in, good vs. evil. To cap it all off, the moment Dallas won the title Barea became a free agent, creating a perfect storm of sorts. Not only did the league’s general managers get to see what type of bench player they’d need to dissect the two teams most figured would be competing in the Finals (Los Angeles and Miami) but all of a sudden, the actual model was on the market! No matter how much you love JJ Barea or how great you think he is, or how valuable to Dallas’ championship run you believe him to be (and he was huge, let’s not mince words), this sets itself up for an overvalue, overpayment situation.

Jose Barea is not a starter, and he will never be a starter. The high screen set he ran over and over and over again with Dirk last year was unstoppable not because of Barea’s feisty quickness and ability to make difficult floaters (although that is a factor), but because defenses are so petrified of leaving Nowitzki alone for even a split second (or Terry, Stevenson, and Peja) that Barea’s able to waltz into the lane and get off high percentage shots that he’s clearly spent a majority of his practice time working on.

Barea has found a perfect situation in Dallas, with teammates who can shoot and allow him to wreak havoc. If he were to go to New York or Miami, he’d still be the same person and the same player, but there’s no chance he’d find the same success. At the end of the day he averaged less than 20 minutes a game in last year’s postseason. When he’s on top of things Barea is lethal for half a basketball game, but what about the other half?

Honorable Mention: Derrick Rose

(I think Rose is an unbelievable talent who should be the best point guard in the NBA once Chris Paul’s legs knock him from the mantle. My explanation for putting him here is a simple one: Derrick Rose should not have won the MVP last year, and he will not win it in 2012. Expectations are through the roof. He won’t get worse as a player. He’s 22-years-old, so that just won’t happen. But apart from a historically significant season in which he obliterates the whole league, wins a championship, and takes home the MVP again, his stock can’t improve. Once again, with all that being said, he’s a favorite to start on the Eastern Conference All-Star team for at least the next eight years.)

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College Minor: Everything You Need to Know

14 fascinating teacher interview questions for principals, tips for success if you have a master’s degree and can’t find a job, 14 ways young teachers can get that professional look, which teacher supplies are worth the splurge, 8 business books every teacher should read, conditional admission: everything you need to know, college majors: everything you need to know, 7 things principals can do to make a teacher observation valuable, 3 easy teacher outfits to tackle parent-teacher conferences, basketball essay topics to write about.

Basketball Topics to Write About

• Basketball Player Physiology
• Basketball and Football Mechanics Are Different.
• Michael Jordan Is a Legend in Basketball.
• Health Hazards Associated With Professional Basketball.
• Basketball Court Mathematics.
• NBA Basketball Team Comparisons.
• Is Basketball a Risky Sport to Play?
• College Basketball Teams Being Bullied.
• Basketball Slogans’ Potency.
• The Most Well-Known Basketball Contests in History.

Great Basketball Research Topics

• A Comparison and Contrast between Michael Jordan and Larry Bird in Basketball
• Basketball and Soccer Comparison
• Evaluation of Basketball in High School, College, and the Professional Level
• A Study of the New York City Basketball Scene
• A Review of the Rules and Game of Basketball
• Analysis of Michael Jordan’s Failure to Succeed
• A Study on How Money Affects Athletes, Particularly Basketball Players
• The Amateur Athletic Union and Basketball
• Baseball Against Basketball
• Basketball’s Disparities Between Professional and Amateur Basketball
• A Legendary Figure in New York City Basketball Passed Away Last Week
• Basketball Should Be Played in Middle Schools Again
• Basketball Game Performance and Content Knowledge of University Students Affected by the Sport Education Model
• Basketball Referees and Employee Discipline: A Prediction Market Approach
• All-Time Greatest College Basketball Coach
• Basketball Basket to Be Lowered for Short People
• The NBA Basketball Matchup Between Lebron James and Kevin Durant
• Joseph Jefferson Jackson Lost the Opportunity to Be Inducted Into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
• Peak Acceleration Demands During Professional Female Basketball Games That Are Duration-Specific
• Recognizing and Defining the Bad Boy in the Basketball Game
• Market Data That Refutes the Widespread Practice of Point Shaving in College Basketball
• The NBA’s Increase in Basketball Popularity in the 1970S
• Assume That the Cost of Basketball Tickets at Your
• Clemon Tigers Men’s Team of Basketball
• John Updike’s Broken Dreams and Predictable Future in Ex-basketball Player
• The National Basketball Association Provides New Evidence Regarding the Relationship Between Outcome Uncertainties and Match Attendance
• Joe Jackson Ought to Be Honored in the Basketball Hall of Fame at the Number
• The Competitive Balance in the Greek Basketball and Handball Championships and Foreign Players
• Basketball Layup Practice and Feedback Techniques to Boost Performance
• Basketball’s Factors Determining Production (FDP)
• Beckett Brenn, an All-American Basketball Player From High School
• Lithuanian Basketball: Past, Present, and Future
• Basketball and Other Comparisons Kevin Hart

 Interesting Basketball Titles for Essays

• Michael Jordan’s Life Story and Career as a Basketball Player
• Larry Bird’s Life Story and Body of Work
• Michael Jordan, an American Professional Basketball Player, and His Life’s Work
• History of the Widely-Played Sport of Basketball in America
• A Selection Method With Multiple Criteria Based on Player Performance
• Analysis of the Pyramid of Success From Basketball Coach John Wooden’s Sports Successes
• A New Draft Process in the National Basketball Association Is a Suggestion
• History of Basketball: Origins and Regional Dispersion
• Basketball in Universities and Colleges
• Product Positioning for Basketball Shoes
• The Most Significant Factor in Offense Is Basketball.
• Basketball Is the Most Productive Sport for Kids, According to the Benefits
• Coaching Boys’ Basketball in High School
• Basketball in College: Corruption
• Gambling’s Benefits to Consumption Are Demonstrated by Data from the NCAA Basketball Betting Market.

Basketball Essay Topics

• Cultural Expression Through a Street Basketball Match
• Making a Basketball-Specific Training Plan
• Basketball Player That Excelled in High School
• Kobe Bryant, the Best Player in Basketball Over the Past Ten Years
• Leadership Skills and Traits of Effective Basketball Coaches
• Basketball Marketing Plan
• Endurance Training Methods and Techniques for Basketball Novice Teams
• Michael Jordan, the Best in National Basketball History
• Cedar Park Center and the National Basketball Association
• The Women’s National Basketball Association and the NBA
• NBA Basketball Players and Personal Greed: Playing for Cash
• Physical Competence in Professional Basketball and Genetic Predisposition
• Basketball’s Development and Evolution
• College vs. Professional Basketball: Differences
• Women’s Japan Basketball League Evidence of the Impact of More Police on Crime Rate
• Basketball’s Modern History
• Basketball and the Impact of the Media
• The Origins of Women’s College Basketball

 Research Questions for Basketball Essays

• Whom Do You Think Is the Best Basketball Player?
• How Can Basketball Affect a Child’s Growth?
• How Much Vertical Hang Time Does a Basketball Player Have?
• Does Mental Imagery Enhance Basketball Free-Throw Performance?
• Why Is Lebron the Greatest Basketball Player Ever?
• Which Muscles Do Basketball Players Focus On Most?
• In What Ways Did Earl Lloyd Alter Basketball History?
• What Can We Learn About Human Use of Space at the Basketball Courts From the Material Record?
• What Effects Has Basketball Had on My Life?
• Does the Endorsement of Basketball Stars in China Work?
• What Physical Exercises Will Increase Basketball Stamina?
• Are Sunk Costs Meaningless in Basketball?
• What Impact Has Basketball Had in the Philippines?
• How Does Gravity Limit My Basketball Playing Potential?
• Do You Believe Football Players Should Be Paid the Same as Professional Athletes?
• What Qualifies a Basketball Player?
• Is the “Hot Hand” Accepted in the Basketball Industry?
• How the Dream Team Revolutionized Basketball?
• How Do Basketball Statistics Affect NCAA Division Winning Percentages?
• Do Native Coaches, and Former Professional Basketball Players Make Better Coaches?
• Without Michael Jordan, How Does Basketball Look?
• Does Early Career Success in Basketball Predict Earlier Death?
• Are Professional Basketball Players Reliant on References?
• Does Gender Affect Coaches’ Compensation in NCAA Basketball?
• How Does Playing Basketball Teach You to Handle Loss?
• Are You Someone Who Is Waiting to Enter the Basketball World?
• What Should a Basketball Player Eat?
• How Does Biomechanics Affect Basketball?
• Should College Basketball Be Prohibited?

Cosmetics Essay Topics

The little rock nine: everything you need ....

Matthew Lynch

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Dylan Harper, Cooper Flagg and observations from McDonald’s All-American game

HOUSTON — For the second straight year, the top 24 high school basketball players gathered in Space City for the McDonald’s All-American Game, showcasing their skills in front of NBA scouts, personnel and media members.

While the Class of 2024 has faced criticism for its perceived lack of overall talent, I disagree. There are numerous hidden gems in this class, and organizations equipped to scout and develop players effectively will undoubtedly find their guy.

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I spoke to an NBA scout who agreed.

“Don’t see this class being bad whatsoever,” said the scout, who was granted anonymity because he is not authorized to talk publicly about high school prospects. “It offers a whole lot more potential and size compared to last year, first off, and has two-to-three guys that I could see NBA teams gearing up toward placing some chips in to draft a year from now. There are a couple of hidden, less talked about names like Liam McNeeley, Derrion Reid and Donnie Freeman, that boast a higher floor of sorts and a translatable game and skill set that could make them worthy of first-round looks, and, coinciding with Cooper Flagg /Ace Bailey/VJ Edgecombe, looks to me like one of the better groups in recent years.”

The scout ranked the prospects 1-24 based on upside as a prospect.

Tahaad Pettiford did not practice due to injury.

1. Ace Bailey 2. Cooper Flagg 3. VJ Edgecombe 4. Dylan Harper 5. Tre Johnson 6. Jalil Bethea 7. Jayden Quaintance 8. Ian Jackson 9. Drake Powell 10. Isaiah Evans 11. Derrion Reid 12. Liam McNeeley 13. Donnie Freeman 14. Bryson Tucker 15. Aiden Sherrell 16. Johnuel Fland 17. Carter Bryant 18. Karter Knox 19. Flory Bidunga 20. Tahaad Pettiford 21. John Bol 22. Zoom Diallo 23. Trent Perry 24. Derik Queen

Unlike last year, there wasn’t a clear-cut MVP of the practice sessions, but several players stood out.

The first prospect that comes to mind is Edgecombe, a Baylor commit. The 6-foot-5 guard has shades of Victor Oladipo, but if he continues to improve his jumper he could be Donovan Mitchell-like. Over the two practice sessions, he showcased his playmaking skills. His ability to read defenses in the pick-and-roll isn’t talked about enough, and he showed flashes of being a lead guard.

We know he’s typically the most athletic prospect in most gyms, but Edgecombe has started to become more of a complete basketball player. Over the past five years, Baylor has consistently churned out top-tier guards, with the last two years seeing them produce two Big 12 Rookies of the Year in Keyonte George and Ja’Kobe Walter . Edgecombe will complete the set.

Notes on other players:

• Everyone wants to know where McNeeley, who decommitted from Indiana, is going to school, I have no update, but what I can tell you is he was laser-focused at the McDonald’s All-American practices and is looking forward to winning a Geico National Championship this week in Indianapolis. McNeeley can fit into most collegiate systems with his ability to adapt to whatever is thrown at him, whether it’s different teammates, opposing defenses or typical basketball adversity.

He made big shots consistently over the week, including a game-winner during the scrimmage. McNeeley is the glue to keep a team together and put them over the hump. Keep in mind, cerebral players are making a resurgence in college and the NBA, and McNeeley is next in line.

Here are a few clips of Liam McNeeley @McDAAG practices He’s made big shots over the past few days including the game-winner in last night's scrimmage. The type of player that can fit into any system and will be impactful instantly at the collegiate level @TheAthleticCBB pic.twitter.com/1WGonsRmH4 — Tobias Bass (@tobias_bass) April 1, 2024

• To make it to the NBA you have to be consistently consistent, and that’s exactly what Rutgers commit Dylan Harper does every time I see him play. One NBA scout said, “He will be a top-5 pick a year from now,” and it’s easy to see why. His poise, leadership and feel for the game will immediately translate.

His father, Ron Harper Sr., played in the NBA for 15 years and won five championships with the Chicago Bulls and taught his son well. Dylan makes the game simple, he can score at will on limited dribbles and makes any team you put him on better. During the practices, he pushed his future Scarlet Knight teammate Ace Bailey, after a quick pep talk those two went on a five- to six-point scoring run. Harper was the McDonald’s All-American co-MVP with 22 points, five assists and six rebounds.

• One of the biggest stock risers this week was Syracuse commit Donnie Freeman. On Day 1 of the practices, it felt like he didn’t miss a shot from behind the arc. Several scouts would look at the roster and make slight comments like “Who is that kid” or “Has he missed yet?” He has a chance to be an elite pick-and-pop guy at the next level with his 6-foot-9 frame. Every year there’s always one guy who comes out of this event and helps himself going into their freshman campaign; this year it was Freeman. He is one to look out for going into the 2024-25 college basketball season.

One of the biggest stock risers over the past two days is Syracuse commit Donnie Freeman ( @DonavanFreeman1 ) Has to the potential to be an elite P&P guy at 6’9 pic.twitter.com/zGjXaR8zRa — Tobias Bass (@tobias_bass) April 1, 2024

• It’s no surprise to see No. 1 prospect Cooper Flagg on the standouts list; you could talk about him for hours and find very few complaints. His jumper used to be a concern, but he’s made significant mechanical improvements and now seems much more confident as a shooter. Many times this week he made 3s in different actions via pin-downs, curling off screens or pull-up jumpers over defenders. He is a spitting image of former Utah Jazz star Andrei Kirilenko with his ability to defend multiple positions relentlessly and all-around game.

There was a moment when his coach challenged him in practice and then boom, the splash plays came into play. It started with a block that turned into a dunk on the opposite end, he came back down on defense got a steal for an easy finish then capped it off with a 3 and a dime to Maryland commit and Montverde Academy teammate Derik Queen, who was also co-MVP.

Here are a few clips of Duke commit Cooper Flagg He continues to show why he’s the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2024 Defends like a mad-man, great feel for the game and jumper has vastly improved @TheAthleticCBB pic.twitter.com/WU41kyVV8y — Tobias Bass (@tobias_bass) April 1, 2024

• The last time North Carolina had a lottery pick was in 2019, when Cameron Johnson went No. 11 Minnesota before being rerouted to Phoenix on draft night. The next Tar Heel to do so could be Drake Powell. He continues to be one of the better perimeter defenders and shot-blockers in the class while knocking down jumpers all week long, impressing scouts. Powell has excellent instincts, length and athleticism to be a high-end 3-and-D guy.

A big fan of UNC commit Drake Powell, gets better each time I see him, and is a legit NBA prospect Can really make shots from deep and defend at a high level. One of the better shot-blocking wings in the class also @TheAthleticCBB pic.twitter.com/C5VeYCeQLP — Tobias Bass (@tobias_bass) April 1, 2024

• Tre Johnson, a Texas commit, is one of the most proficient scorers I’ve seen at this age in a long time. His exceptional footwork enables him to score in numerous ways, whether through pull-up jumpers, fadeaways from either shoulder, step-backs, or finishing around the rim. He consistently finds his spots, creates space, and gets clean looks in the halfcourt. He went 5-of-7 from 3 to finish with 17 points, as he was a major catalyst for his team’s comeback.

Scoring comes easy to Johnson, but he was one of the better defenders over the week. He took each defensive assignment personally and was able to force turnovers or get stops when needed. As the Longhorns move to the SEC, that defensive tenacity will need to carry over.

• No. 2 prospect Ace Bailey is the most talented kid in this class, the natural gifts he has and the things he can do with the ball in his hands at 6-foot-9 have scouts raving about what he could be long-term. Best of all he’s young, Bailey is still only 17, making him one of the younger prospects in the class of 2024. The Scarlet Knights have only made the NCAA Tournament twice in 2021 and 2022, and haven’t had a player drafted since 2010.

In Rutgers’ history, the program has only had 21 players drafted and just three in the first round. They have a chance to add two to that number, as Steve Pikiell and staff have done a wonderful job on the recruiting trail and will likely have two top-5 picks a year from now in Bailey and Harper.

• Like most years, the Wildcats will have to reload, and all three of their players in the game — Karter Knox, Boogie Fland and Jayden Quaintance — played well. Fland is the ultimate leader, and I consistently saw him cheering teammates and being a coach on the floor. His energy is infectious and makes others better.

Fortunately, Fland and Quaintance were on the same team during practices and they worked well in the pick-and-roll. Fland constantly set up the 6-foot-9, 230-pound center for easy dunks or finishes around the rim.

As for Knox, he’s a big-time shotmaker and was one of the better overall performers of the week. One triple could quickly lead to a run of them in a blink of an eye.

Forgot to post but here are a few clips of Kentucky commits Karter Knox and Boogie Fland Knox Made Big shots throughout the practices and finished with 9 points in last night's game Fland had 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. He's an ultimate leader and floor general… pic.twitter.com/WMXlZ020sH — Tobias Bass (@tobias_bass) April 3, 2024

• The Miami Hurricanes have lost a lot of guys to the transfer portal coming off a disappointing 15-17 season, but help is on the way. Jalil Bethea, a 6-foot-5 guard,  can score in bunches, but this week he played on-ball and made reads and plays out of the pick-and-roll.

As this part of his game develops along with adding muscle he could be a star at the next level. The Pennsylvania-based guard is dynamic with the ball in his hands and put on a show Monday night by winning the slam dunk contest. Bethea is the highest-ranked recruit in program history and will be a nightmare for the opposing defense trying to contain the three-point line.

Miami commit Jalil Bethea is one of the shot-makers in the class of 2024 Can put up big numbers in a hurry while scoring from all three levels. The freshmen duo of Bethea and Austin Swartz will be a ton of fun to watch next year. pic.twitter.com/vtTNfk4BHJ — Tobias Bass (@tobias_bass) April 1, 2024

(Top photo of Cooper Flagg losing the ball ahead of Donavan Freeman: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images)

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Basketball Essay for Students and Children

500+ essay on basketball.

The game of basketball has truly become global in the last few years. The game is currently popular in the United States. Also, it is described by many as an American game because of the fun and competitive element in it. Also, this is one of the games which is played indoors and still caters to billions of fans around the world. This game was Dr. James Naismith from Canada. Initially, he invented the game by using a rectangular pitch which was 6 feet wide and 4 feet high. Additionally, the court includes a free throw line which is 12 feet long. In basketball essay, students will get to know about the different components that make the game of basketball special.

It is a team game that has gained immense popularity. Also, the game is played with the help of a ball and the ball is shot into the basket that is positioned horizontally. So, the objective in the game is to shoot the ball and score the maximum points. This game is played by 2 teams that constitute a total of 5 players each. Also, the game is played on a marked rectangular floor that has a basket on both the ends. 

Originally, basketball was played using a soccer ball. Also, it was James Naismith that used a peach basket which ha ad a nonhollow bottom. So, this basket was nailed at a height of 10 ft. above the ground and on an elevated track. If you consider the manual removal of the ball from the basket a drawback then the bottom was removed to and it took the shape of modern-day baskets. Also, dribbling was not part of the game initially. Eventually, it evolved till 1950 by which the balls got better shape due to manufacturing. 

Additionally, the orange ball was evolved from the brown ball. The brown ball was used in the beginning as it was thought that the ball is more visible. By 1996, the peach baskets used were replaced by metal hoops on the backboard. 

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Basketball Game 

At the start of the game, a referee tosses the ball at the center of the court between two players. One player from either team try to get their hands on the ball and the ball is passed on to the teammates. For scoring a point, a team needs to shoot the ball through the basket. If a shot is scored from a distance that is closer to the basket than the 3 point line than it fetches 2 points. Also, if the ball is shot from the distance behind 3 point line, it fetches 3 points. So, the team that has a maximum number of points is declared the winner. 

In case of a draw, there may be additional time allotted to both the teams. In the game, a player is cannot move if he is holding the ball. The player needs to dribble, otherwise, it is considered as a foul. Likewise, when there is a physical contact that affects the other team then it counted as a physical foul. 

Basketball is game played with a maintained and carefully marked court. It is a team sport that is commonly found in many different areas. 

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Favorite Sport — My Favourite Sport: Basketball (in 150 words)

My Favourite Sport: Basketball (in 150 Words)

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After losing to Iowa, Angel Reese has a choice to make: Stay at LSU or go pro?

LSU forward Angel Reese (10) reacts during the fourth quarter of an Elite Eight round college basketball game against Iowa during the NCAA Tournament, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

LSU forward Angel Reese (10) and LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson (4) talk as Reese leaves the court during the fourth quarter of an Elite Eight round college basketball game during the NCAA Tournament, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

LSU forward Angel Reese (10) battles for a rebound against Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke (45) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the second half of an Elite Eight round college basketball game during the NCAA Tournament, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink)

LSU forward Angel Reese (10) looks to pass against Iowa forward Addison O’Grady (44) during the third quarter of an Elite Eight round college basketball game during the NCAA Tournament, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Angel Reese has about 48 hours to make a major life decision while processing a stinging loss in her anticipated showdown against Caitlin Clark in the NCAA Tournament , a setback that left the LSU forward in tears while reflecting on the past year since winning the women’s basketball championship.

The 6-foot-3 Reese was emotional after LSU’s 94-87 loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight on Monday night. She has not given any indication whether she may forgo her final season of college eligibility or enter the WNBA Draft, which is on April 15.

“I’ve been through so much,” the 21-year-old said Monday night as tears ran down her face. “I’ve seen so much. I’ve been attacked so many times, death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened, I’ve been so many things, and I’ve stood strong every single time.

“I just try to stand strong for my teammates because I don’t want them to see me down and not be there for them. I’m still a human. All this has happened since I won the national championship. I haven’t had peace since then.”

Reese burst onto the scene during LSU’s championship run last year as an extremely talented basketball player who was also an unapologetic trash-talker . Since winning the title, Reese said there has been increased scrutiny of her — on and off the court.

Her teammates defended her leadership and what she’s been through, including time earlier this season when she stepped away from the Tigers right before Thanksgiving to take a self-described mental health break.

“Everybody can have their opinion on Angel Reese, but y’all don’t know her,” Flau’jae Johnson said. “I know the real Angel Reese, and the person I see every day is a strong person, is a caring, loving person. But the crown she wears is heavy. She’s the type of teammate that’s going to make you believe in yourself.”

Players not competing in the Elite Eight had until Monday to renounce their remaining eligibility. Players like Reese, who were competing in the Elite Eight or beyond, have about 48 hours after their final game to make their decision. That has been in place for years.

If this was Reese’s final college game, she put forth a stellar effort in trying to help LSU overcome Clark and Iowa. She injured her ankle in the second quarter and still finished with 17 points and 20 rebounds before fouling out in the final two minutes of the game.

As far as her future plans, she said, “I’ll make a decision when I’m ready.”

Reese has likely been weighing the pros and cons of turning pro for some time, and that surely includes evaluating the finances.

Reese is one of the top NIL earners in college with a valuation of $1.8 million according to On3.com . Many of those deals would turn to endorsements when she joins the WNBA.

It’s not a lot of time for anyone to have make a major life decision, but Reese is on the clock.

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket/ and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

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Ohio’s Mr. Basketball Colin White on his future with Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — With a number of players returning to the court at Ohio State next season, fans are looking forward to Jake Diebler’s first full season as coach of the men’s basketball program. But the future also includes a high school senior who is already looking forward to becoming a Buckeye.

For any high school basketball player, there’s no bigger stage than the state tournament. And Ottawa-Glandorf’s Collin White is just the second player in Ohio history to play in the state tournament all four years of high school. The first was Lebron James.

Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton to return for junior season

“It means everything. I’ve been, fortunately, been here four straight years and I wouldn’t want to be any other place this weekend in March,” White said.

But White is preparing for the next level, getting ready to play for Ohio State and compete in the Big Ten.

“I’ve proven that over the years that I can play any style and play any place but I can really hammer down and be physical and get to the rim and just using my frame, you know,” White said. “My frame is only going to grow and get bigger.”

White committed to the Buckeyes last summer and was named this year’s Ohio Mr. Basketball as he eclipsed 2,000 points in the final game of his high school career, which happened to be a state semifinal against Harvest Prep.

“Colin is tough. He’s smart. He’s versatile. I think Colin has got a bright future here in this program and what I love about him most is he loves this place and I just think his high school career has been impressive,” Diebler said.

Ohio State hires Oregon’s Carlos Locklyn as new running backs coach

White’s commitment to Ohio State remained the same through the program’s leadership change. If anything, the promotion of Diebler has only reinforced White’s commitment.

“I think [Diebler] has a lot of energy. You look at him on the sidelines and he’s ready to go all the time and just love how his communication fits so well with the players you know,” White said. “All the players love him, all the players trust him and that’s a great feeling as a player coming in and being recruited by him.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.

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LEXINGTON — One of the most dramatic offseasons of John Calipari's  tenure with the Kentucky basketball program  is underway.

With fan unrest reaching a boiling point after another opening-weekend loss for UK in the NCAA Tournament , athletics director Mitch Barnhart stood behind Calipari , who will return for his 16th season with the Wildcats in 2024-25.

Calipari said he plans to make next season's roster older and more physical, with an eye toward accomplishing those goals via the transfer portal . His strategy hasn't gotten off to a stellar start, as a player who possessed all those attributes — forward Adou Thiero — entered the transfer portal Thursday. Thiero later clarified his status, issuing a statement about his plans Saturday morning : He will test the NBA draft waters but left open the possibility to be part of Kentucky's team next season.

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F Adou Thiero (6-foot-8, 222 pounds, So.):  After playing sparingly as a freshman in 2022-23, Thiero established himself as a starter last season, in the lineup for 19 of his 25 appearances. He averaged 7.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, with  a standout showing versus then-No. 1 Kansas  at the  Champions Classic  in Chicago on Nov. 14, when Thiero set single-game personal bests in points (16) and rebounds (13). While he missed seven games in the middle of the season, he returned to start 11 of the Wildcats' final 14 outings. Expected to take on an even larger role for Kentucky in 2024-25, Thiero was the first player to reveal his intentions for next season, entering the transfer portal Thursday . If he does not remain in the 2024 NBA Draft , UK hopes it can convince Thiero to return to Lexington.

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Kept on the sidelines, Black assistant basketball coaches want a shot to lead

Black head coaches are still a rarity in college basketball, despite a growing number of Black coaches rising to the level of assistant coach. Long seen as just recruiters, Black coaches are hoping to take up top posts that don’t change hands often.

• By Aaron Beard Associated Press

April 3, 2024

Bruiser Flint remembers being a Massachusetts assistant coach building a resume that would one day have him running his own program. He had twice interviewed elsewhere before his moment arrived with mentor John Calipari bolting for the NBA, vacating the big chair for the Minutemen.

The breakthrough had come for Mr. Flint, who was 30 at the time: He had joined the limited ranks of Black men in charge of a top-level college basketball team.

“I was unbelievably grateful,” Mr. Flint recalled. “It was my first job ... and I think at the time, I might have been the youngest head coach in the country. That was one of my goals, that’s what you work for.”

Nearly three decades later, Mr. Flint has led two programs and again works with Mr. Calipari, now at Kentucky. And while numbers have improved, Black coaches remain in an unbalanced equation: They fill a majority of assistant coaching roles at the top level of men’s college basketball yet hold fewer than 1 of 3 of head coaching jobs.

“I think that there are more guys, I believe, that have come through the ranks as assistants that are prepared and just waiting on an opportunity,” said longtime Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton, who is Black. “I think you’re going to see some more mobility in the future than it has been in the past because now there’s so many young, up-and-coming, prepared coaches that there’s always some qualified people available that are just waiting on the opportunity.”

An analysis by The Associated Press found Black coaches holding 59.4% of assistant roles in the top six basketball leagues – the Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-12, and Southeastern conferences – for the 2022-23 season. Yet the rate for Black coaches holding the top jobs was 29.9% compared with white coaches (64.9%).

Part of the issue is simple math. The sport has long had Black players account for more than half of Division I rosters, and those who transition into coaching have multiple avenues as assistants or in staff-support roles. That’s particularly true now with this season’s addition of two coaches for men’s and women’s basketball.

So there’s a natural bottleneck since head-coaching jobs (80 in the top six conferences) don’t change hands as often.

Yet that doesn’t explain the disproportionately low percentage of Black head coaches.

“I don’t know whether it’s a Black-white thing or it’s just trying to find the best candidate,” said Miami assistant Bill Courtney, Cornell’s head coach from 2010-16. “The more that we can have success as Black head coaches, I think the more that people will get an opportunity.”

Richard Lapchick understands the disparity. He’s founder and former director of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) at Central Florida, which has long published annual report cards examining diversity-hiring results for professional and college sports.

The numbers for the top six basketball conferences are ahead of a larger trend across Division I. For example, a recent TIDES study reported Black coaches made up around 33% of men’s assistant jobs in Division I for the 1999-2000 season but that had increased to more than 46% by 2021-22. The rate of Black DI head coaches has remained largely stagnant – between 20% and 25% – going back to the turn of the millennium.

“There’s just an overall assessment that it’s disappointing we really haven’t changed the possibilities for Black head coaches, no matter how many Black assistant coaches who are successful,” Mr. Lapchick said. “While the numbers are still nowhere near where they should be, the fact that the most dominant basketball schools are hiring more Black coaches is a sign of potential progress for the future.”

Mr. Lapchick points to at least one contributing factor: the underrepresentation of women and people of color in Division I leadership roles, outlined in previous TIDES reports.

“I think a large part of it is due to the relationships and network,” said Georgia Tech assistant Karl Hobbs, a former head coach at George Washington. “I think a lot of athletic directors and presidents just aren’t familiar with some of the African-American coaches. And I think overall there has to be a little bit better job in schools, athletic directors, search firms and so forth ... in getting to know who these coaches are.”

Pittsburgh head coach Jeff Capel III sees another factor.

“It used to be for the longest time that the Black coaches were just the recruiters,” Mr. Capel said. “You were charged to go recruit Black players, to go into neighborhoods, to go into places that maybe white coaches felt like they couldn’t get into or didn’t feel comfortable going into.

“I think we’ve certainly made so much progress since then with the opportunities and Black coaches being seen in a different light. Being seen for their mind, their X and Os, their strategy, not just being able to recruit or being able to connect with a certain demographic.”

To Mr. Capel’s point, North Carolina State head coach Kevin Keatts “kind of hated” the recruiter label that followed many Black assistants while rising in the coaching ranks. That made it, in his estimation, important to work for someone who trusts assistants with more than recruiting.

“You just need opportunities,” said Mr. Keatts, who has led this year’s Wolfpack to the program’s first Final Four since 1983. “I was a Black assistant coach, and I got opportunities. I worked for Rick Pitino [at Louisville], but he also helped prepare me. One of his things when he hired me is: ‘I don’t hire assistant coaches, I hire future head coaches.’ And I think whether you’re a Black or a white assistant coach, the guy that you work for needs to give you an opportunity to coach to help you.”

Back at Kentucky, Mr. Flint sees some positive changes, such as more assistants having agents to promote them. Yet the hiring process has changed dramatically and created different challenges. Advocates among Black head coaches nationally often lack the stature of vocal heavyweights like Georgetown’s John Thompson, Arkansas’ Nolan Richardson, or Temple’s John Chaney.

“I still think we need to get in a better position,” Mr. Flint said. “The hiring process is a lot different than when I got into the business a long time ago. It used to be a situation where an AD would have some names just in case he needs a coach. Or the coach can call an AD and [say], ’Check out my plan.’ Now, with the whole search-firm thing, it becomes a little bit different.”

In the meantime, Mr. Flint keeps an open door to Black coaches trying to learn from his experience and position themselves as head-coaching candidates. He views that as a responsibility and roots for success stories that open doors for the next generation.

It’s about doing everything possible to help others prepare for takeoff, knowing those opportunities don’t come around every day.

“You’ve got to prepare yourself for it,” Mr. Flint said. “It’s just not going to happen for you. You’ve got to have a game plan and then in a lot of ways, like I said, when it comes, you’ve got to be ready.”

This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP Sports Writers Gary B. Graves, Will Graves and Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.

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