This Day Why They Banned Dunking (1968) w/ Mike Sielski
Feb 20, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of basketball and the surprising 1967 ban on dunking, largely influenced by racial dynamics. Explore how this decision reflected broader societal tensions, especially with the emergence of dominant Black players like Lew Alcindor. Uncover the history and folklore behind dunking, its evolution through the decades, and its significant cultural implications. Guests share their insights on how this iconic move shaped the game and the ongoing legacy of athletic expression in basketball.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
1966 Championship Game
- In 1966, Texas Western's all-black starting lineup beat Kentucky in the NCAA championship game.
- The team's coach instructed his player to dunk to assert dominance, infuriating Kentucky's coach, Adolph Rupp.
Dunk Ban Justification
- Rupp lobbied for a dunk ban, citing safety concerns and maintaining balance.
- However, it was seen as targeting dominant Black players like Lew Alcindor.
Racist Implications
- The dunk ban reinforced racist tropes, framing Black players as aggressive.
- This contrasted with Alcindor's elegant style, highlighting the bias.