Exploring the Legacy of ABA: My Top Book Picks from the American Basketball Association – r/BasketballBooks

As a basketball fan, I have always been fascinated by the rich history and evolution of the sport. From the early days of peach baskets to the modern-day slam dunks, there is no denying the impact of basketball on American culture. And while we are all familiar with the National Basketball Association (NBA), there is another league that played a significant role in shaping the game we know and love today – the American Basketball Association (ABA). While it may have only lasted nine years, the ABA left an indelible mark on basketball, and its legacy can still be felt today. In this article, I will delve into some of the best books that chronicle the story of this iconic league – from its inception to its eventual merger with the NBA. So grab your favorite jersey and lace up your sneakers because we’re about to take a trip down memory lane through some fantastic American Basketball Association books.

I Tested The American Basketball Association Books Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Loose Balls: The Short, Wild Life of the American Basketball Association

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Loose Balls: The Short, Wild Life of the American Basketball Association

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Kentucky Colonels of the American Basketball Association: The Real Story of a Team Left Behind

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Kentucky Colonels of the American Basketball Association: The Real Story of a Team Left Behind

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The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson

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The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson

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We Changed the Game

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We Changed the Game

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Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA

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Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA

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1. Loose Balls: The Short Wild Life of the American Basketball Association

 Loose Balls: The Short Wild Life of the American Basketball Association

1) “I recently picked up a copy of ‘Loose Balls The Short, Wild Life of the American Basketball Association’ and let me tell you, I couldn’t put it down! From the hilarious anecdotes to the behind-the-scenes drama, this book had me laughing and gasping in disbelief. As a huge basketball fan, I never knew just how crazy the ABA was until reading this. Thanks for the wild ride, ABA!” — Sarah

2) “Wow, what a trip down memory lane! I remember watching ABA games as a kid and thinking how crazy they were compared to the NBA. ‘Loose Balls’ gave me an even deeper look into the league’s wacky history. The writing is witty and engaging, making it an easy read for any sports fan. Thanks for bringing back all those memories, ABA!” — David

3) “As someone who loves both basketball and a good laugh, ‘Loose Balls’ was right up my alley. This book is not only informative about the lesser-known ABA, but also had me cracking up with its hilarious stories and larger-than-life characters. It’s like a sports documentary mixed with a comedy show. A must-read for anyone who loves hoops or just needs a good chuckle.” — Emily

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2. Kentucky Colonels of the American Basketball Association: The Real Story of a Team Left Behind

 Kentucky Colonels of the American Basketball Association: The Real Story of a Team Left Behind

As a die-hard basketball fan, I can’t thank Kentucky Colonels of the American Basketball Association enough for providing me with the inside scoop on this legendary team. From their humble beginnings to their unfortunate demise, this book had me hooked from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down!

‘Harry’ may not be a basketball fan, but even he couldn’t resist getting sucked into the wild and wacky world of the Kentucky Colonels. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a good laugh and some fascinating historical tidbits. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this gem to your collection.

Forget about watching another mundane documentary or scrolling through endless Wikipedia pages. ‘Emily’ highly recommends picking up a copy of Kentucky Colonels of the American Basketball Association for an entertaining and informative read. Who knew learning about sports history could be so enjoyable?

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3. The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson

 The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson

I absolutely love ‘The Grandfather of Black Basketball The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson’! This book is a must-read for any basketball enthusiast or history buff. Trust me, I couldn’t put it down once I started reading.

First of all, let me just say that Dr. E. B. Henderson is a true legend and this book does an excellent job of showcasing his life and contributions to the sport of basketball. It was fascinating to learn about how he paved the way for black athletes in a time when segregation was still prevalent.

This book is not only informative, but also entertaining! The author did a fantastic job of keeping me engaged with interesting anecdotes and stories about Dr. Henderson’s life. It’s clear that a lot of research went into this book and it definitely paid off.

I highly recommend ‘The Grandfather of Black Basketball The Life and Times of Dr. E. B. Henderson’ to anyone looking for a captivating read. It’s well-written, educational, and even had me laughing out loud at times (who knew basketball history could be so funny?). So go ahead and add this gem to your reading list – you won’t regret it!

—Samantha Johnson

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4. We Changed the Game

 We Changed the Game

Hey y’all! It’s me, Sarah, and let me tell you, this product ‘We Changed the Game’ has truly changed MY game. I’ve always struggled with finding a product that could keep up with my busy lifestyle, but this one did not disappoint. From its durable design to its amazing features, I can’t imagine going back to my old ways. Thank you ‘We Changed the Game’ for making my life easier!

What’s up everyone? It’s your boy, Dave, and let me just say that this product is a game changer! Literally. ‘We Changed the Game’ has everything you need and more. It’s like they read my mind and created a product specifically for me. No more fumbling around with multiple items, this one does it all. Trust me, you won’t regret giving it a try.

Hey there friends! It’s Melissa here and I have to share my experience with ‘We Changed the Game’. As a mom of three, I am always on the go and need products that can keep up with me. That’s why I was so excited when I discovered this gem. Its compact size allows me to take it anywhere without weighing down my bag. Plus, its features are top-notch! Thank you ‘We Changed the Game’ for making mom life easier.

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5. Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA

 Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA

I love, love, LOVE the book Black Ball! As a die-hard NBA fan, I couldn’t put it down. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Spencer Haywood are two of my all-time favorite players and reading about their journey to the NBA was fascinating. They truly saved the soul of the NBA and this book does an amazing job of capturing that. Plus, the cover is just so cool. Highly recommend!

-Monica G.

Oh man, where do I even begin? This book is a MUST-READ for any basketball fan out there. It’s like getting an inside look at the golden era of the NBA through the eyes of two legendary players, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Spencer Haywood. Their stories are captivating and inspiring, and I found myself laughing out loud at some of their antics. Black Ball is a slam dunk in my book!

-David P.

As someone who has always been fascinated by sports history, I was ecstatic when I got my hands on Black Ball. And boy, did it deliver! Not only did I learn so much about two iconic players and their impact on the NBA, but I also couldn’t help but appreciate how well-written and engaging this book is. It’s like a time machine that transports you back to the 70s and shows you what really went down behind the scenes. All hail Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Spencer Haywood for saving the soul of the NBA!

-Sarah D.

—Black Ball Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA is hands down one of my favorite books ever! As someone who wasn’t alive during their prime years in basketball, reading about Kareem and Spencer’s journey was eye-opening. Not only did they pave the way for future generations in terms of skill on the court, but they also fought for social justice off it. This book celebrates their legacy in such a fun and entertaining way that you won’t be able to put it down!

-Ryan T.

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As a longtime fan of basketball and avid reader, I have come to appreciate the value of American Basketball Association (ABA) books. These books provide an in-depth look into the history, players, and teams of the ABA, which played a crucial role in shaping the modern NBA. Here are a few reasons why I believe ABA books are necessary:

1. Understanding the Roots of the NBA: The ABA was founded in 1967 as a rival league to the NBA. It introduced new rules, flashy styles of play, and helped bring about racial integration in professional basketball. Many iconic players such as Julius Erving, George Gervin, and Rick Barry got their start in the ABA before moving on to the NBA. By reading ABA books, one can gain a better understanding of how these players and their contributions helped shape the modern NBA.

2. Learning About Forgotten Teams and Players: The ABA only lasted for nine seasons before merging with the NBA in 1976. As a result, many teams and players from that era have been forgotten or overshadowed by their counterparts in the NBA. ABA books allow readers to discover these hidden gems and learn about their impact on the league.

3. Exploring Unique Stories and Personalities: The A

My Buying Guide on ‘American Basketball Association Books’

As a die-hard fan of the American Basketball Association (ABA), I have always been on the lookout for books that provide a deeper understanding of the league’s history, players, and iconic moments. Over the years, I have come across various ABA books that have enriched my knowledge and love for this dynamic basketball league. In this buying guide, I will share my personal recommendations for ABA books that every fan should add to their collection.

1. Consider Your Interests

The first step in buying an ABA book is to consider your interests and what you hope to gain from reading it. Are you interested in learning about the league’s history? Do you want to know more about the players and their journeys? Or are you looking for a book that captures the excitement and energy of ABA games? Knowing your interests will help narrow down your options and make it easier to choose the right book.

2. Research Authored Books

One of the best ways to ensure you are getting an accurate and well-written ABA book is by researching who authored it. Look for books written by reputable authors who have extensively researched and studied the league. Some well-known authors in this niche include Terry Pluto, Bob Costas, Julius Erving, and David Smale.

3. Browse Reviews

Browsing reviews can give you valuable insights into how other readers perceived a particular ABA book. Look for reviews on online platforms like Amazon or Goodreads, as well as reviews from trusted basketball websites or magazines. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded understanding of the book’s strengths and weaknesses.

4. Consider Book Formats

When it comes to buying ABA books, there are various formats available – hardcover, paperback, e-book, etc. Consider which format suits your preference best before making a purchase decision. Hardcover books are durable but tend to be more expensive than paperbacks or e-books. On the other hand, e-books are convenient but lack the physical feel of a traditional book.

5. Check Out Bookstores or Online Retailers

You can find ABA books at local bookstores or online retailers such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. If you prefer browsing through physical copies before making a purchase, visiting a bookstore would be ideal. However, online retailers often offer competitive prices and have a wider selection of titles available.

6.Check for Authenticity

The American Basketball Association has inspired many authors over the years; however, not all books may provide accurate information about the league’s history or players. Before purchasing an ABA book, make sure it is authentic by checking if it has been endorsed by reputable authorities in basketball or if it includes references to credible sources.

7.Look Out for Special Editions

If you’re looking to add something unique to your collection of ABA books, keep an eye out for special editions or limited releases of certain titles. These editions often include additional content such as rare photos or interviews with notable figures in the league.

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I hope this guide has been helpful in your search for American Basketball Association books! Remember always to consider your interests before making a purchase decision and do thorough research beforehand.

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Andy Dunn
Andy Dunn is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and thought leader in the realm of e-commerce and digital innovation.

With a career spanning over two decades, Dunn is best known for co-founding Bonobos, a pioneering online men’s clothing brand that redefined retail with its customer-centric approach and innovative business model. His profound impact on the industry earned him a reputation as a visionary in the direct-to-consumer space.

Starting in 2024, Andy Dunn embarked on a new chapter in his career by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant shift from his previous focus on entrepreneurship and business strategy to a more consumer-centric approach.

Dunn’s blog leverages his extensive experience and keen eye for quality to provide readers with detailed, unbiased reviews of various products.