In 1947 Jackie Robinson broke the color line in Major League Baseball, which at the time was the only Major sport in the country open to all races.   By 1948 the Chicago-based  Harlem Globetrotters, although not a member of the the BAA (the precursor to the NBA) were considered, along with the Minneapolis Lakers, the top basketball team on the planet.

Harlem Globetrotters

On February 19, 1948, the two teams met before a packed house at Chicago Stadium.  In the end the Globetrotters won on a last second shot 61 to 59. One year later (February 28th) the Trotters again defeated the World Champion Lakers 49 to 45.

During the summer of 1949, the National Basketball League and Basketball Association of America merged to form the National Basketball Association. Of greater significance, however, was the integration of the NBA, as the Boston Celtics drafted the first Black player  Chuck Cooper of Duquesne. Read more »

The rhythm is the beat and perhaps the most important element in music.  It drives the players forward. It can be even or uneven, steady or unsteady, but always has a certain tempo.  Basketball, just as in music, demands that you be in tune to the rhythm of the game in every circumstance of play.  Understanding when to be fast or when to be slow allows you to operate freely inside your skill sets, yet in harmony with other individuals and the overall game action- just like jazz players or other musicians at the Symphony, perhaps.

Gustavo Dudamel

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Tragically many players stand around watching (spotting up) or waiting for their turn to get the ball ?!! Is it the mission of the other players to get you the ball?

 

Venoy Overton receives a “quality touch”?

If you’re not open,  you’re only hopin’ – to get the ball.  Being kinda open won’t cut it either.  Get yourself obviously open or don’t  expect to get the rock… especially  amongst top players. Read more »