Basketball, which is a hugely popular sport in America, only in the last 30 years has really expanded globally. In many countries

Basketball, which is a hugely popular sport in America, only in the last 30 years has really expanded globally. In many countries, it could be in the top five, but often will be behind sports like soccer, baseball, or cricket (depending on the region). The NBA has made many efforts to grow the game world wide from a developmental side and a profitability side. They have spent time, developing the sport on the youth level and it has grown in popularity. The growth has also continued as more and more international players have been added, over 100 international players are currently on a roster, and that number will only grow. Many of you are familiar with the influx of European talent recently from Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, Nikola Jokic, and many more. But a lot had to happen to make that possible

Below are some topics you should learn and review about:

– 1992 Dream Team: The most dominate team in sports history, the first time America used professional athletes in the Olympics for basketball.

– Drafting of Yao Ming and the growth of basketball in China

– The world catching up: how did countries in the late 90’s and early 2000’s compete and even defeat some of the USA national teams?

– The growth of developmental programs and professional basketball leagues around the world

– Americans playing over seas: Analyze cases like Stephon Marbury and many others who rejuvenated their career in international professional leagues

– Select a country and analyze its growth in the last thirty years with basketball. Address how they have improved and the notable players they trained. Not limited to only NBA players.

Assignment: After reviewing and doing some research on all of the topics, pick one that interests you and write a 1-2 page reflection. Take a global prospective of basketball and reflect on the why and how the growth took place in the different topics. Also include how these topics have helped mold the NBA of today and in the future.