Basketball Diaries
In summary: And1 and ESPN are responsible for destroying the fundamentals of modern basketball and have done more to hurt the abilities of african americans to succeed in our society today than crack, the CIA and Muggsy Bogues combined. FALSE.
The fundamentals of modern basketball suffer from the same socioeconomic system that produces extreme wealth disparities and a permanent underclass that does not have the same cultural access to societal resources.
What is And1 Basketball? - It is playground basketball.
So, if this style is being adopted by youngsters at a larger scale than previously, what are the factors that influence this. My hypothesis:
This is streetball that has developed out of urban centers, urban centers that have been in decline since the 1970s. This is where much of the social underclass has been located.
Wherewhan do kids learn about team sports? - In schools or community based sports league that tends to come with some type of "expert" coaching/instruction.
Who pays for these programs? - People in the community/taxpayers. In an area that is economically depressed, people cannot pay for luxuries like organized sports. There has been a lack of community programs and these athletic programs (along with music programs) are the first to be cut from struggling school districts.
If there is no organized outlets, kids learn in the street and will focus on those skills that are important in that setting, i.e. crazy dribbling moves (no ref=no traveling) instead of setting screens, dunking instead of jumpshots.
Still, why has this migrated to suburban areas and had a larger effect on basketball? - This style of basketball is flashy and individualistic and this is attractive to youngsters. Also correlates with an culture that inspires individualism over teamwork and cooperation.
In summary, issues with basketball, such as the propogation of street style basketball, are a symptom of socioeconomic pressures, NOT the cause of those issues. What could be said is that And1 expoit and profit off this outcome and therefore assist in its cultural spread since it now generates capital profits for investors.
The real question...how do you deal with this phenomenon?
posted by ajparrillo at 9:23 AM
5 Comments:
After watching some of my brother's students play hoops in inner city Milwaukee, the And1 style is more popular because it is easier.
Clowning some other kid with a crossover then bricking the layup still counts as a win for the dude who broke the ankles.
It's not about long term goals, it's about immediate success and the ability to yell at your peers "HELL NAW DAWG!"
I plan on dealing in the same way I always have (and I posit the same way Kyle does); by submerging my deep, bitter resentment at being unable to dunk in scrappy defense.
You make my point...the environment where basketball is learned is varied. The metrics of what constitutes success is also quite different. So, those skills that make you successful among your peers will make you successful are adopted. In a organized league enrironment where teamwork and fundamental skills make you successful, the skills would be sought out. However, if society begins to value flash over organized and measurable success, then those skills of flash will begin to dominate. Who makes more money in the NBA, the marketable and flashy individual or the fundamentally solid but invisible supporting player. Money, honey.
I have dunked on an official height rim, using my own propulsion and leaving from the ground, only once in my life. In a one on one game dunked over a friend in college. The hoop was at the bottom of a sloped parking lot and had been bent down pretty far due to previous what I can only imagine were technical fouls of haning on the rim. Considering it was a running start and therefore the distance I jumped from, I probably had to jump 8.5 feet high. I am a monster.
Questions: Are refs less likely to call carrying as the rule would dictate since that style of dribbling has become so ubiquitous? Rules of society augment with dominant trends.
You can find this in all sports these days, it's pathetic. Not only is it reflected in the salary of team oriented/defensive players, but in the awards as well. The Gold Glove award and RoY have become complete shams and have evolved into the Best Offensive Player at a position despite the fact that they already have an award for this (Silver Slugger).
One possible way to combat this is to regulate individual awards and salaries more salaries and put larger bonuses on team success. The salary cap sort of works, but it's not perfect. I feel this would emphasize winning is a result of good fundamental skills and not flashy tactics.
Post a Comment
<< Home