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Published by Rick Loayza
I am your author and host, Rick Loayza. This is the blog and podcast where we bring to life some of the forgotten stories from basketball history. I love basketball. I love watching it. I love reading about it. I love learning about its history. I am, for all intents and purposes, a basketball junkie. I’ve coached all three of my kids in youth basketball. In fact, I still coach my youngest each winter. Something just happened to me when I was 11 where I was bitten by the basketball bug. And starting then, I just couldn’t get enough of this amazing game. And the purpose of this podcast and blog is to bring back some of the old stories from basketball’s history. I want to bring you a new story each week from the older days of basketball before there were 22 cameras and instant highlights on your device. Of course, any story from anywhere in basketball history is up for grabs. But I want the focus to be on those stories that are interesting and impactful but long forgotten. I’ll be covering stories going all the way back to the invention of the game in the 1890s, to the barnstorming days of basketball in the 1920s and 30s, to the creation of the current NBA in the 1940s and beyond. So, if you love basketball as much as I do, or you just want to hear a few stories from basketball’s past, then go ahead and subscribe to the podcast and come back to this blog to hear or read a new story each week. For me, this is a labor of love as I get to work with my older son, Jacob Loayza, who serves as my editor and producer. Until next time…
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When basketball was first invented, nobody thought about height being an advantage. Most coaches looked for players who were fast and athletic. It wasn’t until the 1930s that some coaches started looking for height. Today, the NBA has 70 players that are 7-feet tall or taller. We go through the history of how we got from pro players who averaged 5-foot-8 in height to today’s average of 6-foot-7 in the NBA. Episode 210 re-air. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "A Slow Day" by Chiro "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
It was 1959 and the Minneapolis Lakers were in Charleston, West Virginia to play against the Cincinnati Royals. As the Lakers were checking into their hotel, Elgin Baylor, Boo Ellis, and Ed Fleming were denied rooms because of the color of their skin. Baylor took it personally and chose to sit out the game. Episode 176 re-air. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "A Slow Day" by Chiro "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
Today, Rick covers the 13 rules of basketball that James Naismith, the game's founder, originally created. Episode 87 re-air. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
Bam Adebayo was one of the most unlikely players to score 83 points, but that is what made this story so special. Under the right circumstances, almost anything can happen in basketball. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Flashing Lights" by MokkaMusic "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
John Havlicek was the game’s original 6th Man. He defined the concept created by mastermind Red Auerbach. How do you strategically use 6 players in the rotation to keep pressure on the opponent? The NBA now awards a 6th Man Award, but Havlicek embodied the concept. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Funky Retro Funk [Funk Music]" by MokkaMusic "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
College basketball had existed for over 40 years when the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was created. But why did it take so long? Well, we have the NIT to thank for that. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Slow Dance" by Doug Maxwell "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
Back in 1979, Magic Johnson defied basketball convention. Analysts at the time could not figure out which position he would play when coming to the NBA. Would he play point guard? His dribble wasn’t strong enough. What about power forward? His post game wasn’t strong enough. He was a conundrum that broke the mold of what an NBA point guard should be. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Take Care" by Julian Avila "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
In 1985, Villanova University did the improbable. As the 8th seed, they toppled the heavily favored Georgetown Hoyas, led by the player of the year, Patrick Ewing. They are still the lowest seeded team to win the NCAA Championship. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Take Care" by Julian Avila "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
Johnny Beckman was one of the greatest players of the 1920s and 1930s. In fact, at the time he was considered the greatest player of all time and that is rarified air. Only a very few players ever carried the mantle of the greatest, and Beckman was one of them. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "A Slow Day" by Chiro "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
What if the modern NBA went back to just 8 teams like they had in the 1960s? Only 16% of the current players would still have a roster spot in a reduced league. Everyone else would have to play in the G-league, Europe, Australia, or just get a regular job. We took the top 80 players from the 2024-2025 NBA and placed them on 8 teams. Here is what those teams would look like: Team 1 - San Francisco Warriors Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Kyrie Irving Zion Williamson Brandon Ingram DeMar DeRozen Miles Bridges Pascal Siakam Evan Mobley Nikola Vucevic Keynote George Team 2 - Boston Celtics Giannis Antetokounmpo Anthony Davis Steph Curry James Harden Jaylen Brown Coby White Austin Reaves Sharron Sharpe Collin Sexton Deni Avdija Team 3 - New York Knicks Nikola Jokic Damian Lillard Karl-Anthony Towns Ja Morant Jaren Jackson Jr. Jordan Poole Kristaps Porzingis Tyrese Haliburton Michael Porter Jr. De’Andre Hunter Team 4 - Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic Lámelo Ball LeBron James Zach Lavine Normal Powell Darius Garland Scottie Barnes Julius Randle Bam Adebayo Bradley Beal Team 5 - St. Louis Hawks Anthony Edwards Devin Booker Victor Wembanyama De’Aaron Fox Jalen Williams Jalen Green Anfernee Simons Cameron Johnson OG Anonuby Immanuel Quickley Team 6 - Detroit Pistons Jayson Tatum Paolo Banchero Trae Young Joel Embiid Kawhi Leonard Brandon Miller Desmond Bane Jalen Johnson Andrew Wiggins Malik Monk Team 7 - Philadelphia 76ers Kevin Durant Jalen Brunson Franz Wagner Tyler Herro Jamal Murray RJ Barrett Domantas Sabonis John Collins Mikal Bridges Dejaunte Murray Team 8 - Cincinnati Royals Tyrese Maxey Cade Cunningham Cam Thomas Donovan Mitchell Trey Murphy III CJ McCollum Alperen Sengun Lauri Markkanen Jaden Ivey Jimmy Butler CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
For decades Oscar Schmidt was the greatest scorer in basketball history, amassing over 49,000 points for club and country. He played for 29 years at the professional level. For many years he was considered the best player in the world outside the NBA. So why did he never join the NBA? Today, we answer that question and more. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Brazilian Samba" by Benjamin Tissot "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
Charles “Tarzan” Cooper was the best center of the 1930s. He was only 6'3, but a hundred years ago that meant you were a big man. He played the center position like few others and scored almost at will. He also helped lead his team to the 1939 World Basketball Championship, an integrated tournament that brought in the best teams around. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Upbeat Jazz Music I New York, 1924" by Ross Bugden "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
The 1984 Olympic Team played eight exhibition games against a team of NBA All-Stars to prepare for the LA Olympics. The Olympic team, made up of college amateurs, won all eight games. The NBA All-Star team included players like Magic, Isiah, Bird, and McHale. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Take Care" by Julian Avila "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
Shawn Kemp should be in the Hall of Fame, if only his prime years could have lasted longer. He was unstoppable in the open court, but weight issues derailed his career when he should have been at his peak. This is the story of the Reign Man. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Rap Beat" by MaverickMyers "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
Julius Erving is better known as Dr. J, or just The Doctor. But where did that nickname come from? We answer that in today’s episode. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Disco Funk" by Jam Morgan "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
Connie Hawkins has a fascinating story of initially being banned by the NBA and later suing the league to be allowed to play. And it all started with a simple loan he took from gambler, Jack Molinas. We interview Bo Belanger about his new podcast series “Connie & Jack: A Rigged Game”. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
David Robinson was an incredibly gifted student who had walked away from basketball at the age of 13 to focus on his studies and playing the saxophone. However, three years later the basketball coach at his high school convinced him to try out for the team. And just five years after that Robinson was the first pick in the 1987 NBA Draft. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Take Care" by Julian Avila "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
Mike D’Antoni grew up in West Virginia with a dream of someday playing in the NBA. He achieved his dream by playing with the Kings. But he was out of the NBA in only three years. Then he had a chance to play in Italy where he became a superstar for Olimpia Milano. This is the story of his Italian adventure. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "" by "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
In 1978 Magic Johnson nearly left college early to go to the NBA. The Kansas City Kings were ready to take him with the 2nd pick in the draft. So what led to him waiting until 1979 before leaving for the NBA? That’s what today’s episode is all about. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Disco Funk" by Jam Morgan "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
Max Zaslofsky led the NBA in scoring during the second season of the league in 1947-48. He put the Chicago Stags on the basketball map. Later he led the Knicks to three straight NBA Finals. He was one of the greatest players from the early years of the league. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher MUSIC "Slow Dance" by Doug Maxwell "Horizons" by Roa SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK sportshistorynetwork.com sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/ FACEBOOK m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/ BUSINESS CONTACT bballhistory101@gmail.com
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Observed September 21, 2026.
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