The First Basket

The development of basketball roughly coincides with the arrival of large numbers of eastern European Jews to American shores, notably Manhattan's Lower East Side. Many Jewish immigrant boys found that playing basketball helped them to assimilate (and combated the stereotypical notion of puny and passive intellectuals), while also getting them out of overcrowded and unhealthy tenement buildings. Directed by David Vyorst and narrated by Peter Riegert, The First Basket uncovers a little-known chapter in American sports history, combining rare footage (including teams in Hebrew-lettered jerseys) and interviews with surviving Jewish college and pro basketball players to recreate the heady b-ball world of street rivalries, legendary coaches, and talented players. Here, lifelong bonds were formed with teammates, with the only obstacle being persistent parental objections that the lads were “squandering” time and opportunities while running around in short pants. At one time, in fact, Jewish identification with basketball was so complete that it was sometimes insultingly called “jew ball” (a contest believed to be won by sneaky plays and tactics). After WWII, however, Jewish identification with the sport decreased, and by the 1960s basketball had gone global, with attention eventually turning towards the big money pro players. Although it loses focus somewhat after the first hour, The First Basket is mostly an enticing mix of colorful personalities, obscure facts, and revealing interviews. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)