Black Ball

A detailed look at basketball in the 70s; focusing on the influx and dominance of Black athletes to both the NBA and ABA. Many fans and scholars view the 70s as "the dark ages" because of the cocaine crisis, on court fighting, and players demanding better contracts; but Runstedtler makes the case that this was the decade that shaped the NBA to the empowered and exciting league that it is today. She does an excellent job outlining the rise of Black superstars during an era of widespread resistance to racial desegregation where majority white coaches, owners, media, and fans were more critical then ever of the new style of ball being played. At the time many Black players learned to play basketball in their neighborhood courts; with uneven surfaces, bent rims, and other conditions that gave them an improvisational style filled with razzle dazzle. Now considered a hallmark of the sport, at the time, it was unconventional and viewed negatively because white players and fans were not used to seeing or playing that way. Black Ball also dives deep into labor rights, the war on drugs, and masculinity as they relate to basketball. Flawlessly narrated by Xenia Willacey who intones excitement and enthusiasm onto every syllable. This narrative nonfiction book is perfect not just for sports fans, but for those interested in reading about Black excellence. Sports writing at its finest.