Full Description
The NBA has gained worldwide popularity with its high-flying stars and slam-dunking giants, but the early professional hoops game was played below the rim. This book provides the first history of the National Basketball League, which held court from the mid-1930s until its merger with the Basketball Association of America in 1949. Originally formed in Akron and Indianapolis, the league operated mainly in the Midwest but extended as far east as Rochester and Syracuse and west to Denver, building major franchises with hometown loyalties. Most of its stars were college graduates, a major change from previous professional leagues, and it was the first modern major professional league to integrate. Features include photographs, maps of league franchises, and tables of team standings, MVPs, and scoring leaders.
Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
1. Midwest Conference: 1935-1937
2. The National Basketball League Begins
3. The National Basketball League's Second Year: Movement Towards Stability
4. Changing a Bit, Staying the Same: The 1939-40 Season
5. Wisconsin Rhapsody: The 1940-41 Season
6. The NBL in Peace and (Mostly) War: The 1941-42 Season
7. The NBL Goes to War: The 1942-43 and 1943-44 Seasons
8. The NBL Begins Regrowing: The 1944-45 Season
9. Enter the Royals: NBL 1945-46
10. An Explosion of Teams: The 1946-47 Season
11. The Lakers Bring Dominance to the NBL: The 1947-48 Season
12. Back to the Future: The Hometown League Reappears for the 1948-49 Season
13. NBL Lessons and Accomplishments
Appendix 1. NBL Standings, 1937-1949
Appendix 2. Scoring Leaders in the Midwest Conference and NBL, 1935-1949
Appendix 3. NBL All League Teams and MVPs, 1937-1949
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
