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Millions upon millions of basketball-related stories are worth mentioning.

And there are really compelling stories out there.

However, just a few of them are icons of pop culture and have marked generations with basketball stories, real or fictional.

So…

 WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST FAMOUS BASKETBALL MOVIES?

And

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THEM?

Well, these questions are easy to answer and we’ll show you our best picks and increase your passion for basketball.

 

 

1. HOOSIERS

Hoosiers starring Gene Hackman is one of the best movies about basketball in history and it depicts a perspective of basketball beyond sport.

It illustrates how basketball can change lives through teamwork and team values.

And it is based on a true story of a small team from Indiana, that won the state basketball championship in 1954.

So, Hoosiers is an inspiring story that deals with topics such as the spirit of sacrifice, alcoholism, perseverance and sport as an educational tool.

And this movie was a motivator for thousands of basketball players, and if you love basketball, YOU MUST WATCH IT!

LEARN MORE about HOOSIERS HERE

Hoosiers

 

 

 

2. BLUE CHIPS

One of the most emblematic basketball movies of all time is Blue Chips.

The cast was made of basketball stars such as Kevin Garnett, Shaquille O’Neal and Larry Bird.

So, this movie is an impressive depiction of basketball in real life!

The film is about the pressure that coaches undergo at amateur levels to find prospects who will take part of professional teams.

And it emphasizes basketball as a business and its balance with the human side of sport.

As a consequence, you’ll deepen in the human side of basketball and all the pressure to make it a profitable business too.

Specifically, the coach (Nick Nolte) is having a bad season after many years being one of the best coaches at college level and now, it’s necessary to look for new talents.

Fortunately, the coach manages to recruit new basketball players with a bright future, but he must polish their skills.

And he meets Neon (Shaquille O’Neal), who made the difference!

He’s a talented street basketball player, but he only needs some guidance in life to learn how to deal with the pressure of being a professional player.

In sum, it’s a realistic movie that represents what happens in basketball behind the scenes.

LEARN MORE about BLUE CHIPS HERE

Blue chips

 

3. COACH CARTER

Another terrific basketball movie is Coach Carter.

The film starring Samuel L. Jackson and Channing Tatum carter develops the story of a coach who trains boys exposed to constant violence in the streets and with no family support.

But, coach Carter took a paternal role to guide these boys in basketball and life.

He teaches them how to find a new passion in life through basketball and get away from problems.

And finally, they find their way to continue their basketball careers and their academic life with ease thanks to coach Carter.

In particular, this movie shows the challenges that college athletes face for maintaining a good academic record as they strive to position themselves in the world of basketball.

And no need to say it, it represents a real-life problem for many basketball players.

LEARN MORE about COACH CARTER HERE

Coach Carter

 

 

4. THE BASKETBALL DIARIES

The Basketball Diaries tells the story of Jim Carroll (Leonardo DiCaprio), a promising basketball player who quits his team and drop out of school.

This movie is the adaptation of an autobiographical novel by Jim Carroll, in which he describes his experience with drugs after leaving his basketball team.

Carroll and his gang were mischievous teenagers who engaged in petty theft and then, little by little they started consuming cocaine and heroin.

And the plot focuses on narrating the process by which this group throw their dreams away and lost control of their lives.

This is a story of broken dreams that somehow ends up being a blessing in disguise.

In fact, Carroll didn’t become a basketball star, but the extreme experiences he overcame, helped him become a better human being.

LEARN MORE about THE BASKETBALL DIARIES HEREBasketball diaries

 

 

 

5. FINDING FORRESTER

Finding Forrester, starring Sean Connery, tells the story of a young basketball player from the Bronx who has an exceptional ability for playing basketball… and writing.

And he gets the highest grade in his high school class, and suddenly, an elite school in Manhattan is interested in him.

However, for him it was a big challenge to take.

Fortunately, he meets a mysterious Pulitzer-winning writer (Forrester), who has stayed away from all contact with society for decades and they develop a friendship.

Forrester teaches him everything he knows about literature and guides him to become a famous writer like him.

In short, Finding Forrester is about the relationship between basketball, friendship and academic life… and the value of perseverance to face new challenges.

LEARN MORE about FINDING FORRESTER HEREFiding Forrester6. TEEN WOLF

Teen Wolf is a comedy starring Michael J. Fox that develops the process of physical and emotional changes of a typical shy teenager.

Until he discovers he´s a werewolf!

As strange as it seems, it makes him popular and gives him an increased strength and confidence to perform better in the court… and life in general!

So, after his transformation he becomes a great star in the court.

And despite his strange condition, he manages to take advantage of it and be a great basketball player.

In summary, this comedy is a lovely basketball movie for the 80’s cinema lovers.

LEARN MORE about TEEN WOLF HERE

Teen Wolf7. LOVE & BASKETBALL

Love & Basketball is based on the story of Monica and Quincy, a couple of basketball players.

Quincy is surprised that Monica plays basketball better than him… and she’s indeed talented for playing basketball.

And when they grow up, the relationship continues.

But, Quincy, being the son of a former NBA player, is very competitive and has to balance its passion for basketball with his love life.

And to make things worse, Monica don’t know anything about love.

So, the film revolves around the relationship between two lovers and basketball players as they develop their careers and combine it with their love.

LEARN MORE about LOVE & BASKETBALL HERE

Love and Basketball

AND A “BONUS”.

SPACE JAM

Finally, Space Jam also represents basketball in pop culture.

This movie starring Michael Jordan and many other basketball stars such as Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing and Muggsy Bogues; focuses on basketball during an alien invasion.

The aliens kidnap Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes to serve as attractions in an extraterrestrial amusement park.

Then, the Looney Tunes challenge the aliens to a basketball game.

The deal is that if the Looney Tunes win, they will go back home.

But, if they lose they will stay in the park being part of the attractions forever.

So, to help the Looney Tunes, the best basketball players of the NBA are able to play this basketball game.

Unfortunately, the aliens seized their abilities to play basketball.

And the only choice that remains is to convince Michael Jordan to return to basketball, when he´s playing baseball.

In short, this movie was a 90´s hit that took basketball to a next level in pop culture… especially, for kids.

LEARN MORE about SPACE JAM HERE

Space JamFINAL THOUGHTS

All these movies show that basketball is more than a sport.

It´s a lifestyle that influences all aspects of personality… and that´s what these movies reflect.

Basketball is part of the construction of a personality, a better society and it represents a way of life for millions of people around the world.

And surely, many more stories will be told about the relationship between basketball and life and we look forward to them, don’t you?

 

 

 

 

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BASKETBALL IS A SPORT OF GIANTS, ISN’T IT?

Generally speaking, it is.

But, there are exceptions to the rule.

… And sometimes the shortest players can make history on the court.

These exceptional players are, in some cases, the best dunkers or hall of famers.

So, height doesn’t prevent a really talented basketball player to achieve his dream and play in the NBA.

In fact, a couple of short guys are among the best dunkers of all times in the NBA and some others, made a long career despite their height.

AND THEY MADE HISTORY!

BUT… WHO WERE THE SMALLEST BASKETBALL PLAYERS WHO MADE HISTORY IN THE NBA?

 

MUGGSY BOGUES

 

Tyrone Curtis Bogues was born in Baltimore, Maryland and he’s the smallest basketball player to ever play in the NBA.

He’s only 5’3″ when the average NBA player is about 6’7″ tall, currently.

And overcoming this drawback made Muggsy an inspiration in the NBA World.

He always knew playing in the NBA was against all odds, but he became the shortest player to reach the NBA anyway.

Actually, he turned this disadvantage into an advantage as he was known for his fast game, dribbling skill and game vision.

And he had a long career!

Muggsy played at Wake Forest University and later, he reached the NBA in 1987,  playing for:

✓ Washington Bullets (1987-1988)

✓ Charlotte Hornets (1988-1997)

✓ Golden State Warriors (1997-1999)

✓ Toronto Raptors (1999-2001)

In sum, Muggsy played in the NBA for 15 seasons, almost 900 regular-season games and 19 Playoffs.

Not bad for a 5’3″ player!

By the way, he was a big star on and off the court, and he even appeared in the movie Space Jam in 1996.

 

SPUD WEBB

Anthony Jerome Webb was born in Dallas, Texas.

He was a 5’6” player, and only 2 players were shorter than him in the NBA history, Muggsy Bogues and Earl Boykins.

The nickname Spud is a shortening of Sputnik (the Soviet satellite).

He wasn’t in the outer space but he used to jumped really high and he even won a Slam Dunk Contest in 1986.

As a short player in the NBA, Webb had a hard time making a name for himself in basketball.

Spud didn’t get a place to play in high school due to his height and he was rejected several times until he managed to convince the coach… and in his first game he scored 20 points!

Then, he played for Midland College and NC University, and made his debut in the NBA in 1985.

And he ended up playing 12 seasons in his NBA career.

✓ Atlanta Hawks (1985-1991, 1995-1996)

✓ Sacramento Kings (1991-1995)

✓ Minnesota Timberwolves (1996)

✓ Orlando Magic (1998)

However, the most important moment of his career is when he won the Slam Dunk Contest in 1986, in Dallas, the city he was born.

He surprised everyone because he competed with the best dunkers in the NBA, and legends like Michael Jordan.

AND HE’S STILL THE SHORTEST PLAYER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SLAM DUNK CONTEST AND SURELY, THE SMALLEST PLAYER TO WIN THE SLAM DUNK CONTEST.

By the way. here you can watch WEBB’S PERFORMANCE IN THE 1986 SLAM DUNK:

 

NATE ROBINSON

 

Another short but inspiring player was Nate Robinson.

Nathaniel Cornelius Robinson was born in Seattle, Washington.

He attended the University of Washington on a football scholarship before deciding to focus on basketball.

And he was selected in the first round of the 2005 NBA draft to start an 11-seasons career.

Robinson is just 5’9”, but he had a long career as he played for:

✓ New York Knicks (2005–2010)

✓ Boston Celtics (2009–2011)

✓ Oklahoma City Thunder (2011)

✓ Golden State Warriors (2011–12)

✓ Chicago Bulls (2012–2013)

✓ Denver Nuggets (2013–2015)

✓ Los Angeles Clippers (2015)

✓ New Orleans Pelicans (2015)

But,  the most curious fact about his career is THAT HE WON THE SLAM DUNK CONTEST 3 TIMES (2006, 2009 and 2010).

He was a short player, but one of the best dunkers in history!

JUST TAKE A LOOK AT HIS PERFORMANCE IN SLAM DUNK CONTENTS:

 

 

 

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ISAIAH THOMAS

 

Isaiah Thomas was born on February 7, 1989, in Tacoma, Washington.

And he’s a 5’9” active player.

He played for University of Washington for 3 seasons and, in 2011, he gave up his last season as a college player to play in the NBA.

Isaiah started playing for Sacramento Kings and he is still active in his career.

Particularly, he has played for:

✓ Sacramento Kings (2011–2014)

✓ Phoenix Suns (2014–2015)

✓ Boston Celtics (2015–2017)

✓ Cleveland Cavaliers (2017–2018)

✓ Los Angeles Lakers (2018)

✓ Denver Nuggets (2018–2019)

✓ Washington Wizards (2019–2020)

And similar to Spud Webb and Nate Robinson, he was a spectacular dunker, showing once again that short players can be great dunkers!

 

THESE PLAYERS WERE NBA STARS IN SPITE OF THEIR HEIGHT… and there are more stories of short players who reached the highest levels playing basketball such as:

 

EARL BOYKINS

 

Earl Antoine Boykins was born in 1976, in Cleveland, Ohio.

And he was a 5’5” player.

He started his basketball career at Eastern Michigan University and later, he was hired by New Jersey Nets, becoming the second smallest player in the NBA.

Earl played for:

✓ New Jersey Nets (1999)

✓ Cleveland Cavaliers (1999, 2000)

✓ Orlando Magic (1999)

✓ Los Angeles Clippers (2001–2002)

✓ Golden State Warriors (2002–03)

✓ Denver Nuggets (2003–2007)

✓ Milwaukee Bucks (2007, 2011)

✓ Charlotte Bobcats (2008)

✓ Washington Wizards (2009–10)

His career was 11 years long, which is a huge success considering the low likelihood of being selected to play in the NBA for a 5’5” guy.

 

GREG GRANT

 

Greg Grant was born in Trenton, New Jersey; and he also proved that short guys can do well on the court.

He is just 5’7” which is a drawback in the land of the giants.

In fact, he had to face the same prejudices that all short basketball players suffer… but he never surrendered.

Greg played college basketball for Morris Brown and TCNJ.

However, he was rejected by many NBA coaches until Grant was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1989.

Later, he had a good NBA career playing for:

✓ Phoenix Suns (1989–1990)

✓ New York Knicks (1990–1991)

✓ Charlotte Hornets (1991–1992)

✓ Philadelphia 76ers (1991–1992, 1992–1993, 1995–1996)

✓ Washington Bullets (1995–1996)

✓ Denver Nuggets (1994–1995, 1995–1996)

 

KAY FELDER

 

Kahlil Ameer “Kay” Felder was born in Detroit, Michigan.

And he was a 5’9” NBA player. 

Kay played for Oakland University and then, he was chosen in the NBA draft and played for Cleveland Cavaliers and 2 more teams.

✓ Cleveland Cavaliers (2016–2017)

✓ Chicago Bulls (2017)

✓ Detroit Pistons (2018)

He’s still an active player, so he may come back to the NBA in the future and continue showing that height is not all in basketball.

Finally, there were other short players that made a difference in the NBA and have interesting records such as:

✓ Mel Hirsch (5 ft 6 in)  who was the shortest player to ever play in the NBA before Muggsy Bogues.

✓ Red Klotz (5 ft 7 in)  who is the shortest player to win an NBA championship.

✓ Calvin Murphy (5 ft 9 in) who is the shortest NBA player in the Hall of Fame.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Being a short player is undoubtedly a huge disadvantage in basketball.

And basketball is a competitive sport full of tall players, who have been as tall as 7’7”, like Gheorghe Mureşan or 7’6”, like Manute Bol.

So, it’s a David versus Goliath fight for many short players.

However, the short players mentioned above are examples that it’s not impossible to succeed in the NBA being short.

Look at Muggsy Bogues!

He is the smallest player who has ever been in the NBA and he’s still remembered as a big star… so it takes more heart than height to succeed anyway.

In short, these players showed that size doesn’t matter when you’re an extraordinary player!

the shorest player in NBA

 

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Is this the year you will take your game to the next level?

In fact, adding new BASKETBALL TRAINING GEARS to your training equipment will enhance your chances to succeed and develop your career.

Basically, THERE IS NO LONGER EXCUSES TO STOP GROWING AS A BASKETBALL PLAYER!

The question is:

… HOW MUCH CAN BASKETBALL TRAINING GEARS HELP YOU?

These new technologies will maximize your training time and you’ll get maximum results in less time.

NOT BAD AT ALL!

ISN’T IT?

So, we bring you the best 10 basketball training gears for 2020 that will help you improve your game almost IMMEDIATELY.

 

OUR PICKS

 

1. SKLZ D-MAN

A TRAINER DEFENSIVE MANNEQUIN.

It’s ideal to practice alone, or if you want, you can also do it as a team.

And even if you’re alone, you can take it everywhere with you for training.

With the SKLZ D-Man, you will:

✓ See fast results giving passes, shooting and dribbling.

✓ Train everywhere and have a defender by your side 24\7.

✓ Improve your shooting and dribbling techniques quickly.

So, it has multiple benefits for you.

And having the chance to train alone is priceless… you’ll be 100% in control of your own growth as a basketball player.

CHARACTERISTICS

✓ You can adjust the height of SKLZ D-MAN to match different defensive options from 6.5 feet to 8 feet.

✓ SKLZ D-Man is made of polyester mesh which makes it lightweight and durable.

✓ Assembling and disassembling SKLZ D-Man is very simple.

✓ It is completely portable.

✓ Weighted base (add water or sand) to maintain stability.

In short, with SKLZ D-MAN, you’ll build your offensive skills in a much faster time.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

CHECK OUT this video to learn more about SKLZ D-Man.

And IF YOU LIKED IT, CHECK IT OUT BELOW and train more hours.

 

 

 

 

2. DONJOY PERFORMANCE POD

AVOID ANKLE INJURIES AND TRAIN WITH PEACE OF MIND!

This is a basketball training gear specially designed with the best engineering to provide additional support to your joints.

Actually, it will protect you from ankle injuries, and as a result, you’ll have more confidence to be much more aggressive on the court.

Also, its unique design naturally adapts to the movement of your feet and gives you the freedom to carry out any activity, knowing that your ankles are protected.

In sum, it will:

✓ Prevent any ankle injury.

✓ Make you feel safe.

✓ Maximize your range of motion while providing exceptional support.

✓ Mold itself to the anatomical shape of your foot.

✓ Give you comfort with its super soft and light material.

CHARACTERISTICS

✓ Ultra-light materials (30% lighter than the average ankle support on the market).

✓ Simple and sleek design.

✓ Adjustable and anatomically molded shell for maximum comfort.

CHECK THE VIDEO BELOW to learn more about the DONJOY PERFORMANCE POD.

DON’T LET INJURIES STOP YOUR CAREER!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. GLOWCITY LIGHT UP LED RIM

This isn’t just another basketball training gear that will boost your performance…

LED LIGHTING KIT IS MUCH BRIGHTER THAN ANYTHING THAT GLOWS IN THE DARK!

This led rim has the official size to play professional basketball and is perfect for lighting at night, giving a magical touch to the game.

In fact, every time the ball hits the rim, lights come on.

And then, go off after some seconds.

In addition, it’s perfect for any kind of night event since it would give a lot of fun at night.

So, with Glowcity Light Up Led Rim you will:

✓ Have much more fun and the game will not end at night.

✓ Get a rim which is really appealing to the eyes.

✓ Lengthen your training time at night.

CHARACTERISTICS

✓ Battery Powered. The lighting is powered by three AAA batteries.

✓ The rim kit is impact activated and lights up when played with and shuts off after use.

✓ It is quite resistant so that it would not be damaged by the weather.

WATCH THIS QUICK VIDEO and discover how awesome this led rim is!

LIGHT UP YOUR GAME AND GAIN MORE TIME PLAYING AT NIGHT!

With all the time gained you’ll become a better basketball player.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. GLOWCITY LIGHT UP BASKETBALL (OFFICIAL SIZE AND WEIGHT)

This ball glows!

And it will allow you to play in difficult conditions like in the darkness or with very little light.

Its 2 led lights will make the ball glow in a way you have never seen before and it is activated only if you play with it.

And it makes it perfect for:

✓ Playing at night and increase your training time outdoor.

✓ Train in difficult visibility conditions

✓ Gifts, as it will keep children entertained.

✓ Train hard at any time.

CHARACTERISTICS

✓ It includes batteries.

✓ The ball is durable and resistant. Indeed, you can use it for years.

✓ It’s waterproof.

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS VIDEO and watch the ball in action!

YOU’LL BE AMAZED HOW MUCH FUN YOU CAN HAVE PLAYING WITH THIS BALL!

 

5.  ZFOSPORTS WEIGHTED VEST 30LBS – 80LBS

TRAIN HARDER, IMPROVE FASTER!

With this vest you can increase the weight and train harder.

As soon as you take it off, you’ll be faster and jump higher.

In fact, you will:

✓ Be faster in general.

✓ Achieve greater freedom of movement and speed.

✓ Overcome all your competitors easier.

CHARACTERISTICS

✓ Pockets to store your phone or any electronic device.

✓ It can store water bottles.

✓ One size with adjustable belt to fit your body.

✓ 15 x 12 x 2 inches.

✓ Super tough material.

WATCH THIS VIDEO REVIEW and get informed!

CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW HIGH YOU COULD JUMP AFTER YOU TAKE IT OFF?

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. POP UP DEFENDER: TRAINING DEVICE FOR BASKETBALL

This is one of the ultimate basketball training gears to boost your game!

And it helps you surpass a defender easier.

In fact, it’s perfect for training how to defeat a defender and improve your techniques as a basketball player.

With the Pop Up Defender, you will:

✓ Have someone to train with in case you find yourself training alone.

✓ You’ll achieve your potential as you will train every time you want with a defender in front of you.

✓ Have a bag to store all your basketball items.

CHARACTERISTICS

✓ 3.4 feet tall defender.

✓ Light, foldable and portable.

✓ Stable and secure during training.

✓ It stores extra balls and any other basketball equipment.

✓ 18 x 18 x 40 inches.

WATCH THIS VIDEO to know more about the POP UP DEFENDER!

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY AND UNLEASH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL!

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. BASKETBALL KNEE PADS

This shock absorption knee pads will ensure you won’t have knees injuries anymore.

You’ll stay healthy and safe while training, ensuring a much longer and calmer workout with the assurance that your knees will be fine.

This knee pad ergonomically adapts to the shape of your knee to compress it enough, so you will:

✓ Be more likely to succeed as your knees will be safe..

✓ Train with peace of mind, knowing your knees won’t be exposed to injuries.

✓ Feel better in case you are already injured.

CHARACTERISTICS

✓ For men and women.

✓ 1 pair.

✓ Highest possible compression to avoid injury.

✓ Increases blood flow through the knees, thighs and feet.

✓ Reduces pain in case of injury.

✓ Protect you from V-rays while training.

✓ Regulates body temperature.

✓ Keeps your knee warm to keep you in top performance.

TAKE A DEEPER LOOK to all of it benefits.

Check this product on Amazon.

 

8. BASKETBALL SHOOTING TRAINING AID

Keep elbows straight while training!

Actually, with this strap you’ll keep your elbows straight and avoid losing precision at shooting.

And it is made for all ages, so no matter how young or how old you are, it will help you training your offensive skills.

In fact, the shooting belt will help you:

✓ Get more accuracy at shooting.

✓ Correct your shooting position.

✓ Obtain more stability.

✓ Shoot effortlessly and score more points

CHARACTERISTICS

✓ High-quality and resistant material.

✓ Adjustable to 40 cm/ 15.7 inches to 75 cm/ 30 inches.

✓ Flexible strap.

✓ 2 pieces basketball shooting training aid.

✓ Lasting material.

WATCH THIS VIDEO and learn how to use the Shooting Training Aid.

BE MORE COMPETITIVE AND SCORE MORE!

And if you liked what it can do for you, you can check the Shooting Training Aid in the link below: