A History of Basketball

This four part series charts the history of basketball. "Hoop", as it is known to millions, was once a Christian pastime but is now firmly at the heart of American culture. This audio traces the origins of the early game, examining its players and spectators. Greg finds out how the sport was popularized in the fifties and became endemic in the nineties. Part one looks at the heart of America and the court where the first game was played. In part two it's the '50s, and white American college kids are rocking to Elvis and rebelling against traditional sports. "Hoop" is fast, radical and new. In part three Greg examines the future of the sport as the players demand more money and advertising executives help price fans out of the stadium. Finally, part four examines the growing role of basketball within world sport.