Basketball History 101

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