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Hardcourt: Stories from 75 Years of the National Basketball Association
Celebrate seventy-five years of the NBA in this exciting and beautifully illustrated middle grade account of the legendary athletes, coaches, and teams that changed basketball forever and created a national phenomenon enjoyed by millions today.
The National Basketball Association is the biggest league for one of the nation’s most beloved sports. Played in massive stadiums by athletes who are now household names, with millions of fans around the world, basketball has truly become a global phenomenon. But it didn’t always exist the way we know it now.
Follow basketball from its humble beginnings as a casual indoor pastime played in gyms and colleges through its evolution for seventy-five years of hardcourt history. The NBA gained legions of fans thanks to the introduction of rules like the three-point line and the twenty-four second clock, and teams such as the Harlem Globetrotters, who paved the way for desegregated teams. Discover the story of the legendary Olympic Dream Team of 1992 and beloved players like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James, along with the early game-changers who made basketball what it is today.
With the expert storytelling of veteran sportswriter Fred Bowen and stunning full-page illustrations from award-winning artist James E. Ransome, experience the biggest and best basketball league in the world, the NBA.
The National Basketball Association is the biggest league for one of the nation’s most beloved sports. Played in massive stadiums by athletes who are now household names, with millions of fans around the world, basketball has truly become a global phenomenon. But it didn’t always exist the way we know it now.
Follow basketball from its humble beginnings as a casual indoor pastime played in gyms and colleges through its evolution for seventy-five years of hardcourt history. The NBA gained legions of fans thanks to the introduction of rules like the three-point line and the twenty-four second clock, and teams such as the Harlem Globetrotters, who paved the way for desegregated teams. Discover the story of the legendary Olympic Dream Team of 1992 and beloved players like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James, along with the early game-changers who made basketball what it is today.
With the expert storytelling of veteran sportswriter Fred Bowen and stunning full-page illustrations from award-winning artist James E. Ransome, experience the biggest and best basketball league in the world, the NBA.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published January 18, 2022
About the author
Fred Bowen
50 books19 followersFred Bowen is the author of Peachtree’s popular Fred Bowen Sports Story and All-Star Sport Story series. A lifelong sports fanatic, he has coached youth league baseball, basketball, and soccer. His kids’ sports column “The Score” appears each week in the KidsPost section of the Washington Post. Bowen lives in Maryland.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 14, 2022
Hardcourt is the story of the NBA, full of stories of its humble beginnings by a coach who was given a deadline of two weeks to come up with a game to keep his antsy students occupied, its early slow beginnings in empty gyms after World War II, the rule changes that immediately made it a more interesting game to watch, and, most of all, the players that amaze and bewitch us all.
Hardcourt is, start to finish, a mesmerizing book of the stories that kids (and adults!) will love to read over and over again. It certainly would have made life easier for me when I was a young mother with children who could do nothing but talk about basketball and the teams and the players, and it will give me an in with these same children who are now grownups and who continue to do nothing but talk about this sports and its teams and its players.
I can't wait to share news of this book with others. It's a marvel.
Hardcourt is, start to finish, a mesmerizing book of the stories that kids (and adults!) will love to read over and over again. It certainly would have made life easier for me when I was a young mother with children who could do nothing but talk about basketball and the teams and the players, and it will give me an in with these same children who are now grownups and who continue to do nothing but talk about this sports and its teams and its players.
I can't wait to share news of this book with others. It's a marvel.
July 27, 2022
There is much to love about this book, and I imagine it will be constantly checked out next year.
February 9, 2022
What worked:
This nonfiction book tells the history of the NBA ranging from James Naismith up until 2021. It makes a great reference book with its index of topics citations of resources. The book is broken up into four quarters, just like a basketball game, and the quarters denote significant periods of history. It begins with the creation of basketball at a YMCA in 1891 and describes how the rules are transformed to improve the game. The score of the first game is 1-0 and had nine players are on each team. Basketball starts to be played across the country, but it needs to become more exciting to watch. The shot clock and three-point line are introduced over the years to create the game we watch today.
The book covers many basketball personalities, some familiar and others not as much. Bill Russell and Julius Erving are two Hall of Fame players who are pioneers, as black athletes are finally allowed to join NBA teams and make a huge impact on the game. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson lead the Celtics and Lakers, as their two teams dominate the league in the 1980’s. George Mikan is the league’s first superstar, and later, the ABA contributes several teams and superior athletes, including George Gervin. Danny Bianoe isn’t a player, but he’s credited with saving the NBA by implementing the shot clock to speed up play. The impact of international and high school players is shared, as the book notes the accomplishments of Hakeem Olajuwon and Moses Malone.
What didn’t work as well:
The book is packed full of colorful drawings, but it would leave a greater impression if they were mixed with actual photographs. Finding pictures from the sport’s origins is probably rare, but photographs of famous players should be easier to locate. Young readers can more easily connect to the book when they see clear images of athletes they have seen on television and in magazines. Nevertheless, the pages are chocked full of interesting information that will keep readers engrossed.
The Final Verdict:
The NBA, then to now. I’ve enjoyed basketball my whole life, and I’ve learned many things about the sport and the NBA after reading this book. It will appeal to anyone loving outstanding athletes, and readers will be entertained learning about the origins of the NBA. I recommend you give it a shot!
This nonfiction book tells the history of the NBA ranging from James Naismith up until 2021. It makes a great reference book with its index of topics citations of resources. The book is broken up into four quarters, just like a basketball game, and the quarters denote significant periods of history. It begins with the creation of basketball at a YMCA in 1891 and describes how the rules are transformed to improve the game. The score of the first game is 1-0 and had nine players are on each team. Basketball starts to be played across the country, but it needs to become more exciting to watch. The shot clock and three-point line are introduced over the years to create the game we watch today.
The book covers many basketball personalities, some familiar and others not as much. Bill Russell and Julius Erving are two Hall of Fame players who are pioneers, as black athletes are finally allowed to join NBA teams and make a huge impact on the game. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson lead the Celtics and Lakers, as their two teams dominate the league in the 1980’s. George Mikan is the league’s first superstar, and later, the ABA contributes several teams and superior athletes, including George Gervin. Danny Bianoe isn’t a player, but he’s credited with saving the NBA by implementing the shot clock to speed up play. The impact of international and high school players is shared, as the book notes the accomplishments of Hakeem Olajuwon and Moses Malone.
What didn’t work as well:
The book is packed full of colorful drawings, but it would leave a greater impression if they were mixed with actual photographs. Finding pictures from the sport’s origins is probably rare, but photographs of famous players should be easier to locate. Young readers can more easily connect to the book when they see clear images of athletes they have seen on television and in magazines. Nevertheless, the pages are chocked full of interesting information that will keep readers engrossed.
The Final Verdict:
The NBA, then to now. I’ve enjoyed basketball my whole life, and I’ve learned many things about the sport and the NBA after reading this book. It will appeal to anyone loving outstanding athletes, and readers will be entertained learning about the origins of the NBA. I recommend you give it a shot!
January 15, 2022
Well-written facts and history accompanied by bright and engaging illustrations make this a book to get lost in.
From the very first thoughts of founding a professional basketball team, these pages follow the history of basketball from it's first moments onwards. Hitting upon the development of the game by a gym teacher with peach baskets, various important moments, personalities, problems and successes of the sport over time are presented and explained. The book is divided into 'quarters' and various chapters under those. At the end of the book, there are several lists of teams, individuals and such, which are great for those who like more exact numbers and details.
I enjoyed the comprehensive view these pages take on the history of the NBA, since it reaches further than just the famous individuals and feats surrounding the league, but includes the history which affected it. It centers around the struggles and intriguing solutions, which kept the dream of basketball alive and brought the NBA to where it is today. This includes organization beyond the NBA and shows how the efforts of those not directly involved in the organization did influence the NBA and did help to keep it alive, directly or indirectly. It definitely gave me a deeper respect for the people behind the sport, and portrays the clever twists and turns used to keep spectators interested in the game...because it wasn't always clear the sport would go on.
The illustrations are very well done and allow the energy of the court to come across clearly. The faces of the individuals mentioned are recognizable and, yet, there's a nice artistic flair, too. But it's the text, which makes this one shine, since it brings across the facts in an interesting fashion...and that in an appropriate as well as easy to understand fashion for the intended age group. It never talks down to the reader, but actually, is one even some adults will enjoy picking up and flipping through. I received an ARC copy and was surprised how well done this book is...since it even drew me, a non-sports fans, in.
From the very first thoughts of founding a professional basketball team, these pages follow the history of basketball from it's first moments onwards. Hitting upon the development of the game by a gym teacher with peach baskets, various important moments, personalities, problems and successes of the sport over time are presented and explained. The book is divided into 'quarters' and various chapters under those. At the end of the book, there are several lists of teams, individuals and such, which are great for those who like more exact numbers and details.
I enjoyed the comprehensive view these pages take on the history of the NBA, since it reaches further than just the famous individuals and feats surrounding the league, but includes the history which affected it. It centers around the struggles and intriguing solutions, which kept the dream of basketball alive and brought the NBA to where it is today. This includes organization beyond the NBA and shows how the efforts of those not directly involved in the organization did influence the NBA and did help to keep it alive, directly or indirectly. It definitely gave me a deeper respect for the people behind the sport, and portrays the clever twists and turns used to keep spectators interested in the game...because it wasn't always clear the sport would go on.
The illustrations are very well done and allow the energy of the court to come across clearly. The faces of the individuals mentioned are recognizable and, yet, there's a nice artistic flair, too. But it's the text, which makes this one shine, since it brings across the facts in an interesting fashion...and that in an appropriate as well as easy to understand fashion for the intended age group. It never talks down to the reader, but actually, is one even some adults will enjoy picking up and flipping through. I received an ARC copy and was surprised how well done this book is...since it even drew me, a non-sports fans, in.
January 12, 2023
This was a succinct book of key moments of the NBA's 75 years of existence. It was written for youth, but could also be read by adults as well. It brought up some interesting, yet obscure facts for a bball "vet" like me:
-soccer balls were used at first
-chicken wire was used as backboards in YMCA's
-The first professional game took place at a Masonic temple
-Basketball was slow to develop due to the slow pace, but a 24 second shot clock was instituted in 1954 due to the '53 playoffs having 106 fouls and 129 foul shots. Danny Biasone, who owned the Syracuse Nationals (NBA team at the time) figured each team took about 60 shots per game, 120 for both, 48 minute games, 60 seconds per minute, 2,880 seconds. So...2,880/120=24 seconds for each shot! It brought the scoring averages up almost 15 points per game, and attendance up 40% in the next few years (16-17).
-Celtics legendary coach, Red Auerbach, had a scoring center named "Easy Ed" Macauley, but they needed a tough rebounder since they already had a scorer in HOFer Bob Cousy. When he heard about Bill Russell, and how the Celtics would get the 2nd pick in the draft, he was scared he couldn't get him. So, he did what any reasonable person would do:
Celtics owner, Walter Brown, was also president of the Ice Capades, a popular ice-skating show starring several Olympic champions. According to Auerbach, Brown assured the owner of the Rochester Royals (1st pick) that the Ice Capades would appear at their arena for a series of shows if they did not pick Bill Russell. And, as the saying goes, the rest is history. The Celtics became a dynasty and won 11 championships in 13 seasons.
-soccer balls were used at first
-chicken wire was used as backboards in YMCA's
-The first professional game took place at a Masonic temple
-Basketball was slow to develop due to the slow pace, but a 24 second shot clock was instituted in 1954 due to the '53 playoffs having 106 fouls and 129 foul shots. Danny Biasone, who owned the Syracuse Nationals (NBA team at the time) figured each team took about 60 shots per game, 120 for both, 48 minute games, 60 seconds per minute, 2,880 seconds. So...2,880/120=24 seconds for each shot! It brought the scoring averages up almost 15 points per game, and attendance up 40% in the next few years (16-17).
-Celtics legendary coach, Red Auerbach, had a scoring center named "Easy Ed" Macauley, but they needed a tough rebounder since they already had a scorer in HOFer Bob Cousy. When he heard about Bill Russell, and how the Celtics would get the 2nd pick in the draft, he was scared he couldn't get him. So, he did what any reasonable person would do:
Celtics owner, Walter Brown, was also president of the Ice Capades, a popular ice-skating show starring several Olympic champions. According to Auerbach, Brown assured the owner of the Rochester Royals (1st pick) that the Ice Capades would appear at their arena for a series of shows if they did not pick Bill Russell. And, as the saying goes, the rest is history. The Celtics became a dynasty and won 11 championships in 13 seasons.
March 21, 2022
This book has many stories about the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from its beginnings 75 years ago to the multi-billion dollar industry that it has become today. It includes stories of players, coaches, and teams. There are full color illustrations throughout. Fans of basketball may already know much of the information contained in this book but even they will still find the facts and stories fun to read. They may even find a few tidbits that will surprise them.
There is no Table of Contents, which I find annoying. Back matter includes an index, bibliography, a short list of websites and documentaries for further research, and acknowledgements. There is also a list of NBa finals Champions through 2021 with the MVP (since 1969), a list of current NBA franchises with the year they joined and any former names they may have had, and a list of NBA/ABA career scoring leaders (regular season only through 2021) with how many points they scored. Black and White are both capitalized when referring to race... My understanding is that Black should be but not white.
There is no Table of Contents, which I find annoying. Back matter includes an index, bibliography, a short list of websites and documentaries for further research, and acknowledgements. There is also a list of NBa finals Champions through 2021 with the MVP (since 1969), a list of current NBA franchises with the year they joined and any former names they may have had, and a list of NBA/ABA career scoring leaders (regular season only through 2021) with how many points they scored. Black and White are both capitalized when referring to race... My understanding is that Black should be but not white.
March 28, 2022
Each short chapter recounts an exciting or important moment in basketball history. The illustrations are beautiful and there are enough nods to current players to keep kids invested, even if the focus is on the past. However, it was a strange choice to capitalize both "White" and "Black," especially when talking about social justice in basketball.
May 3, 2022
HARDCOURT is impressive. It catalogs the past 75 years of the NBA with gorgeous illustrations and thorough information. It's essentially an illustrated chapter book for upper elementary schoolers and even middle schoolers who love basketball. The history is fascinating and well written. The illustrations are stunning. This book would make a great gift for any basketballers in your life.
October 16, 2022
Engaging text paired with powerful illustrations make “Hardcourt” a winner. I’m not much of a sports fan, but even I had a hard time putting this book down. Each short story examines another facet of the development of basketball from its onset post-World War II to present day. Interesting statistics and endnotes complete the package.
January 30, 2022
Twenty-three feet, nine inches from the basket is the line that changed the game of basketball.
Past that line a basket counts for three points.
James Harden, Steve Kerr, Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Stephen Curry
Past that line a basket counts for three points.
James Harden, Steve Kerr, Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Stephen Curry
March 23, 2022
Wow - this is an engaging triumph! I’m not a big fan of the NBA, but this hefty picture books provides a fantastic history of the sport in four quarters. This would make a wonderful gift for a basketball-loving young reader.
April 1, 2022
Possible contender for the Mock Caldecott Awards in January 2023. Beautiful book full of great information regarding the history of basketball. I'm not a big sports fan but even I learned a few things from reading this. This would be a great resource book for young sports enthusiasts!
March 6, 2023
Really liked the illustrations
August 5, 2023
Both readable and exciting. Great for classroom use for the sports enthusiast.
February 16, 2022
Celebrate 75 years of the National Basketball Association with the story of its origin, highlights from major events and tales of the legendary players, coaches, teams and game-changers who made the sport of basketball what it is today.
Reviewer 19
Reviewer 19
July 17, 2023
A good book for upper elementary and middle grade readers, it focuses less on the overall history of the game, rather it centers on the NBA. I like the 4 quarters that make up the book. Each chapter/segment is brief, and while chronological, there's not a continuous narrative, making it easy for readers to skip around (or over) segments as desired. Information is presented in a factual manner without excessive commentary, and even the biggest fans of the game will likely find details they never knew. I've pulled nuggets from throughout the book to share with and impress friends and family.
As others have noted, photographs might be preferable in some instances, but the artwork is tastefully presented and complements the book nicely. Because of the focus on the 75 years of the NBA, it's going to focus on men. And yes, as readers in 2023, we notice that stats end in 2021 - but that's what happens when a book goes to print. For a look at the history of the NBA written for its intended audience, this is a great choice.
As others have noted, photographs might be preferable in some instances, but the artwork is tastefully presented and complements the book nicely. Because of the focus on the 75 years of the NBA, it's going to focus on men. And yes, as readers in 2023, we notice that stats end in 2021 - but that's what happens when a book goes to print. For a look at the history of the NBA written for its intended audience, this is a great choice.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews