For Immediate Release
April 03, 2006
Contact Information
Sonshine Communications
Tanisha Coleman
tcoleman@sonshine.com
Hoop Heroes Making History- African Americans Score As They Soar -
The game of Basketball has a rich history and is full of hoop heroes. The game was actually created in 1891 as a true American pastime by James A. Naismith, a Canadian YMCA instructor. Naismith was a physical education instructor at the School for Christian Workers which later became Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. Due to its fun and simplicity, Basketball caught on fast as an organized team sport that was played by both males and females. Within no time, secondary schools, colleges and universities, and private clubs embraced the team sport of basketball.
It was in the 1950's, however, which represented the beginning of big changes for African Americans in the world of basketball. Chuck Cooper became the first African American to play in the NBA. From 1950 to 1960, basketball saw the arrivals of Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, and Elgin Baylor. These players started the ball rolling for Erving, Malone, Bird, Magic, Sampson, and Jordan, among others.
Michael Jordan. All eyes were on MJ as the rookie of the Chicago Bulls. Jordan's game was, from the start, an eyeful. He mesmerized the fans with his high aerial acrobatics, his quick sudden turns, and slam-dunk points. A series of wins pushed Jordan to the spotlight and a selected spot in the NBA All-Star Game.
From 1986-1987, Jordan began playing basketball as it had never been played before. His exciting dunks and "hangtime" drew a wealth of admirers, as he held the record of the player who could stay in the air the longest. Jordan became known as the "King of Dunks," and also added to the record books on points made without a miss. He did 23 consecutive points against the Atlanta Hawks. Later equipped with the support of Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, the Bulls were elevated to the Eastern Conference when they beat the New York Knicks, 115-111. Jordan and the Bulls had to face the powerhouse - the Detroit Pistons - with teammates Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman, Isiah Thomas, and John Salley. The years of 1988-1989 brought Michael Jordan a new contract: twenty-five million dollars over a period of eight years - the richest contract ever signed by a basketball player.
The rest is history. Michael Jordan became a hoop hero that could not only score, but who could SOAR! So many others have followed in his path with the goal of becoming a hoop hero that could make history!
It was in the 1950's, however, which represented the beginning of big changes for African Americans in the world of basketball. Chuck Cooper became the first African American to play in the NBA. From 1950 to 1960, basketball saw the arrivals of Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, and Elgin Baylor. These players started the ball rolling for Erving, Malone, Bird, Magic, Sampson, and Jordan, among others.
Michael Jordan. All eyes were on MJ as the rookie of the Chicago Bulls. Jordan's game was, from the start, an eyeful. He mesmerized the fans with his high aerial acrobatics, his quick sudden turns, and slam-dunk points. A series of wins pushed Jordan to the spotlight and a selected spot in the NBA All-Star Game.
From 1986-1987, Jordan began playing basketball as it had never been played before. His exciting dunks and "hangtime" drew a wealth of admirers, as he held the record of the player who could stay in the air the longest. Jordan became known as the "King of Dunks," and also added to the record books on points made without a miss. He did 23 consecutive points against the Atlanta Hawks. Later equipped with the support of Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, the Bulls were elevated to the Eastern Conference when they beat the New York Knicks, 115-111. Jordan and the Bulls had to face the powerhouse - the Detroit Pistons - with teammates Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman, Isiah Thomas, and John Salley. The years of 1988-1989 brought Michael Jordan a new contract: twenty-five million dollars over a period of eight years - the richest contract ever signed by a basketball player.
The rest is history. Michael Jordan became a hoop hero that could not only score, but who could SOAR! So many others have followed in his path with the goal of becoming a hoop hero that could make history!
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