Ossie Schectman, the first player to score in the Basketball Association of America, reflects on Jewish contributions to professional basketball and key events like the 1951 point shaving scandal.
Synopsis
Ossie Schectman, the first player to score in the Basketball Association of America, reflects on Jewish contributions to professional basketball and key events like the 1951 point shaving scandal.
People
Synopsis
Ossie Schectman, the first player to score in the Basketball Association of America, reflects on his time with the 1946-47 New York Knickerbockers in The First Basket. The documentary, directed by David Vyorst, covers the history of Jewish involvement in professional basketball. It features interviews with notable figures such as Red Auerbach and Sidney Hertzberg. The film is divided into four parts, addressing themes from the early days of basketball to the 1951 point shaving scandal at City College of New York.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Ossie Schectman, the first Jewish player in the NBA.
- Find out about the 1951 CCNY point shaving scandal.
- See how basketball shaped Jewish American identity.
Did You Know
- The film premiered at the FilmFest DC International Film Festival in 2008.
- 67% of nine professional critics gave The First Basket a positive review on Rotten Tomatoes as of October 2010.
- The documentary features interviews with at least five notable Jewish basketball players from the 1940s.
- Roberto Juan Rodriguez composed the film's soundtrack, blending Cuban and Jewish music.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
Who narrated The First Basket?
Peter Riegert narrated The First Basket.
What was the critical reception of The First Basket?
As of October 2010, 67% of nine professional critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a positive review.
What is the duration of The First Basket?
The duration of The First Basket is 86 minutes.
What are people saying?
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