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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.
25:53
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Quick takeaways
- The ban on dunking in 1967 was driven by racial prejudices aimed at controlling the influence of Black athletes like Lew Alcindor.
- Dunking evolved from a banned move to a celebrated element of basketball, reflecting cultural changes and enhancing the sport's excitement over time.
Deep dives
The Dunk Ban Contextualized
In 1967, the ban on dunking in college basketball emerged as a controversial decision, largely influenced by the rise of dominant black players like Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Coaches like Adolf Rupp, whose team lost to a racially diverse Texas Western in the championship, lobbied to undermine this new style of play that they associated with black athletes. They justified the ban by claiming it was about maintaining safety and the integrity of the game, but underlying these reasons were racial prejudices aimed at curbing the impact of black players. The dunk became a symbol of both athletic power and racial tension, reflecting broader societal issues of the 1960s.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode