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Basketball History 101

Basketball History 101

By: Rick Loayza
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I am your author and host, Rick Loayza. This is the blog and podcast where we bring to life some of the forgotten stories from basketball history. I love basketball. I love watching it. I love reading about it. I love learning about its history. I am, for all intents and purposes, a basketball junkie. I’ve coached all three of my kids in youth basketball. In fact, I still coach my youngest each winter. Something just happened to me when I was 11 where I was bitten by the basketball bug. And starting then, I just couldn’t get enough of this amazing game. And the purpose of this podcast and blog is to bring back some of the old stories from basketball’s history. I want to bring you a new story each week from the older days of basketball before there were 22 cameras and instant highlights on your device. Of course, any story from anywhere in basketball history is up for grabs. But I want the focus to be on those stories that are interesting and impactful but long forgotten. I’ll be covering stories going all the way back to the invention of the game in the 1890s, to the barnstorming days of basketball in the 1920s and 30s, to the creation of the current NBA in the 1940s and beyond. So, if you love basketball as much as I do, or you just want to hear a few stories from basketball’s past, then go ahead and subscribe to the podcast and come back to this blog to hear or read a new story each week. For me, this is a labor of love as I get to work with my older son, Jacob Loayza, who serves as my editor and producer. Until next time…Rick Loayza Basketball World
Episodes
  • Episode 297 - What Position Should Magic Johnson Play?

    Episode 297 - What Position Should Magic Johnson Play?
    May 26 2026

    Back in 1979, Magic Johnson defied basketball convention. Analysts at the time could not figure out which position he would play when coming to the NBA. Would he play point guard? His dribble wasn’t strong enough. What about power forward? His post game wasn’t strong enough. He was a conundrum that broke the mold of what an NBA point guard should be.

    CREDITS

    Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

    Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

    MUSIC

    "Take Care" by Julian Avila

    "Horizons" by Roa

    SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK

    sportshistorynetwork.com

    sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/

    FACEBOOK

    m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/

    BUSINESS CONTACT

    bballhistory101@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Episode 298 - The Origin of March Madness

    Episode 298 - The Origin of March Madness
    Jun 16 2026

    College basketball had existed for over 40 years when the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was created. But why did it take so long? Well, we have the NIT to thank for that.

    CREDITS

    Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

    Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

    MUSIC

    "Slow Dance" by Doug Maxwell

    "Horizons" by Roa

    SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK

    sportshistorynetwork.com

    sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/

    FACEBOOK

    m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/

    BUSINESS CONTACT

    bballhistory101@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Episode 295 - Johnny Beckman: The Original GOAT

    Episode 295 - Johnny Beckman: The Original GOAT
    May 5 2026

    Johnny Beckman was one of the greatest players of the 1920s and 1930s. In fact, at the time he was considered the greatest player of all time and that is rarified air. Only a very few players ever carried the mantle of the greatest, and Beckman was one of them.

    CREDITS

    Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

    Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

    MUSIC

    "A Slow Day" by Chiro

    "Horizons" by Roa

    SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK

    sportshistorynetwork.com

    sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/

    FACEBOOK

    m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/

    BUSINESS CONTACT

    bballhistory101@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
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