Famous Basketball Stadiums: Alamodome

You've seen the games on television, and maybe you've even been to an NBA professional basketball game at one or more of the venues they use.

Basketball Jerseys: Trendier Sports Gear

Basketball jerseys are the more preferred sports apparel among school and college going crowd. Jerseys are part of the official sports apparel of NBA and other basketball teams. However, players are not the only ones who you can spot wearing NBA jerseys. Conversely, players are a very minute section of the sports apparel business. Most of the buyers are sports lovers and NBA fans. They wear NBA jerseys to support and cheer for their favorite NBA teams.

Basketball Sizes

The NBA has specified basketball sizes not just for official men's, women's, and junior league games, but also unofficial games for children and youth. These size specifications help you choose the right ball for yourself or your children, and it is recommended that they be followed strictly to avoid injury during play.

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of 5 players try to score points against one another by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop under organized rules. A regulation basketball hoop is comprised of a rim 18 inches in diameter (45.72 cm) and 10 feet high (3.048 m) as well as a backboard. Basketball is one of the most popular and widely viewed sports in the world.

Points are scored by throwing (shooting) the ball through the basket from above. A team can score 2 points from inside the half circle and a 3 point from outside the back circle, a 3 point being harder, therefore gaining more points. The team with more points at the end of the game wins, but additional time (overtime) may be issued when the scores of both teams are the same. The ball can be advanced on the court by bouncing it (dribbling) or passing it between teammates. It is a violation to walk with the ball or carry it. Disruptive physical contact (foul) is penalized, and free throws will be issued if an offensive player is fouled while shooting the ball. (violations). Also a technical foul is issued when an infraction occurs during a regular game. The most common technical foul is unsportsmanlike conduct with either the players on the team or the coach. This will give the opposing team an opportunity to shoot the ball.

Through time, basketball has developed to involve many common techniques of shooting, passing and dribbling, as well as players' positions, and offensive and defensive structures. Typically, the tallest members of a team will play center or one of two forward positions, while shorter players or those who possess the best ball handling skills and speed, play the guard positions. While competitive basketball is carefully regulated, numerous variations of basketball have developed for casual play. Basketball is also a popular spectator sport in countries around the world.

While competitive basketball is primarily an indoor sport, played on a basketball court, less regulated variations played in the outdoors have become increasingly popular among both inner city and rural groups.

The Philadelphia 76ers Have Created a City of Basketball Love

You have probably heard of the Philadelphia 76ers, but have you heard of the Philadelphia Warriors or the Syracuse Nationals? The Philadelphia Warriors played in the NBA from 1961-1962, before moving to San Francisco. Fortunately for basketball fans in the "City of Brotherly Love," the Syracuse Nationals moved to Philadelphia, prior to the 1963-1964 season.

Allen Iverson History

Born on June 7, 1975, Allen Iverson is a graduate of Georgetown and currently plays a guard position for the Philadelphia 76ers. He stands 6' tall and weighs 165 lbs. Following his high school years at Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia, Allen Iverson was honored by having his jersey number retired during the school's 1993 State Championship halftime ceremony.

Will the Charlotte Bobcats Make the Playoffs?

The Charlotte Bobcats have never made the NBA playoffs. They are hoping that might change this season. While the Bobcats have never been a successful team, they quietly had their best season in franchise history last year, finishing with a 35-47 record.

Meet the New and Improved 09-10

The Charlotte Bobcats went 35-47 in the 08'-09' season - the Bobcats best season since their inception since 2004. The Bobcats really have improved every season they been in the NBA - if this trend continues hopefully the Bobcats will make the playoffs for the first time in 2010. The Bobcats have a very young team - one of the youngest teams in the NBA.

Are the 2009-2010 Charlotte Bobcats a Playoff Team?

The Charlotte Bobcats are an interesting team entering the 09'-10' season. Why is this so? The Bobcats played well at the end of the 09' season and hopefully they can continue their end of the season momentum.

NBA Star in Milwaukee Bucks Brandon Jennings

The Milwaukee Bucks could not be any more happier than having Brandon Jennings running the point. The Milwaukee bucks are sitting in the 5th spot in the Eastern Conference, and looking to upset a higher seed.

Brandon Jennings Takes the NBA by Storm

This is a talented class of rookie basketball players. Many future NBA stars have begun their careers on promising notes, and the world of basketball fans is excited to see where things can go.

The Milwaukee Bucks and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Any young basketball team will go through their growing pains; this is just a part of the process. Every team has to go through a dark storm before they start to see the bright light of success. When looking to become a dominant force in any sport, it's a simple fact that you have to be prepared to pay some painful dues at the start.

P.J. Brown has a Change of Heart About Leaving

In December 2006, P J Brown wanted to leave the Chicago Bulls and head for greener pastures and now Brown has apologized for his public plea to be traded. At the point when Brown, a 13 year NBA player and captain of the Bulls, made this plea, it was evident that he was frustrated about getting limited playing time.

6 NBA Championships

The Chicago Bulls have won 6 NBA championships throughout their history. All of those victories came in the 1990s under the leadership of coach Phil Jackson and superstar players Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Here are brief histories of the Bulls' 6 NBA championship titles.

Legendary Chicago Bulls

I am a Chicago Bulls fan. I have been one all my life. I thought it would be appropriate to talk about the 10 greatest Bulls players of all time.

Mike Brown Out as Cleveland Cavaliers' Coach

Mike Woodson was fired by the Atlanta Hawks after taking the Atlanta Hawks to their best regular season finish in more than a decade. Should it come as any surprise that the regular season Eastern Conference champions have fired their coach? Mike Brown was let go by the Cleveland Cavaliers after 5 seasons as head coach.

Cleveland Cavalier Tickets

The Cleveland Cavaliers came off an impressive victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder coming from behind in the second half when LeBron James bailed them out. The Cavaliers have an arsenal of talent from LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Anthony Parker and Delonte West. They have one of the best front courts in basketball, but they have struggled as of late.

Cleveland Cavaliers Top 5 Players

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a team that has been around for a while in fact, they have been around since 1971 and some people may even say that the team has been low profile if it wasn't for some of the best players that the team has had. Today we are going to talk about some of the rankings, accomplishments and the top five players that have taken the Cleveland Cavaliers to the spotlight.

Nate Robinson Rescues Celtics

Little Nate Robinson may only stand 5 foot 7 inches, but he saved the city of Boston from a humiliating loss. Nate Robinson scored 13 points in 8 minutes of the first half as the Boston Celtics eliminated the Orlando Magic in the pivotal game six of the Eastern Conference Finals. The former New York Knickerbocker energized the aging Celtics off the bench, scoring in bunches.

Larry Bird: Boston Celtics MVP

Larry Bird's impact on NBA basketball history was immediate. For the 1980 season Larry Bird led the Celtics to super-stardom legacy. Bird was named the league's Rookie of The Year and was voted onto the Eastern Conference All Star-Team. He was honored with this title all for all of his twelve seasons of his career in the NBA. He was scoring 12 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, an outstanding 143 steals and second in assists.

Kevin Garnett: Brings Intensity, Intelligence, Intangibles

Kevin Garnett has brought the Boston Celtics out of the history books, and back onto center stage of the NBA. Kevin Garnett, a premiere NBA forward for virtually all of his NBA career, has always been better than the teams he has played on. Now, finally, in the twilight of his career, his best chance for an NBA Title has arrived.

Boats Tend to Sink

Do not jump on the Clippers bandwagon yet without seeing the past results of similar teams.

Learning to Love the Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers have long lurked in the shadow of the much wealthier, much larger-than-life Lakers. A projected pet project of their basketball enthusiast owner, the Clippers are sort of ignored, not taken seriously. But with players like Eric Gordon on their roster, and after an astounding Christmas defeat over the Lakers, it seems the Clippers are reigning in some attention finally.

2005-2006 Season

Predicting the Clippers 2005-2006 Season.

Simple Basketball Plays for Youth Basketball Coaches

Here are some simple and easy to teach basketball plays for youth basketball coaches.

Use These Simple Drills to Reduce Costly Turnovers

Coaching Drills For Basketball are an important aspect of a coach's repertoire. There are many drills that can improve your players overall skills if worked consistently and with purpose. Whether you are looking to lower turnovers, grab more rebounds, play better defense, or shoot better free throws, there are drills that can help you achieve those goals and turn them into strengths.

Use These Simple Drills to Shoot Better Free Throws

Basketball coaching drills are an instrumental part of building a winning program. If you are just starting out as a coach, or if you are a seasoned veteran basketball coaching drills will benefit every player on your team 1-12. I have seen dramatic improvements from every player mainly because of the drills I implemented and worked every day in practice.

Everyone Wants Marcus Williams

Many teams have a need for a quality point guard in this years draft. That is why so many teams are targeting Marcus Williams.

Toronto Raptors Get First Bite at NBA Draft

As the NBA draft, slated to be held in New York on the 28th of June rapidly approaches, one team has seen the luck of the lottery draw turn in its favor. The Toronto Raptors with a lowly 8.8 percent chance of winning the ping-pong ball type lottery stole the front seat and stand a good chance of gaining some leverage from it.

Who Should Stay in School This Year

Take a minute from those NBA Finals odds and start thinking ahead to next year, specifically the draft which takes place on June 24th at Madison Square Garden, and here's a look at a few players that should stay an extra year, at least, on campus. This list could be outlandish, but these are the top five that come to mind.

Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold

Never serve revenge hot, else you would burn your mouths - Seemed to be the agenda on the minds of the Memphis Grizzlies. At least, that's what one got to feel in their match against Oklahoma City Thunder!

Local Group Won't Buy Out Majority Owner

While an investment group planned to buy the Memphis Grizzlies, the local minority shareholders announced on Friday that they decided to give up their plans to match a $252 million offer to buy out majority owner Michael Heisley.

Pau Gasol: The Memphis Grizzlies' Best Asset

There are two things that people in Memphis are crazy about, BBQ and B-Ball. These two items put together are capable of stirring quite a debate. The first will have a lot of people that will claim that there is no BBQ that is better than that which comes from Memphis.

Cheer on the Atlanta Hawks as They Continue to Fly High

Atlanta Hawks players such as Dominique Wilkins have proven that sometimes humans can fly. However, fewer fans are probably familiar with "Pistol Pete," "Sweet Lou," and the "Tri-Cities Blackhawks." Learning about the history of the Atlanta Hawks can help us to appreciate its modern squad better.

Outlook for 09-10

The Atlanta Hawks were a good team in the 08'-09' season. The Hawks were swept in the second round of the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers - this would suggest the Hawks are yet to take the leap into one of the better Eastern Conference teams.

Good But Not Good Enough

What do you do if you are the Atlanta Hawks? You won 53 games in the regular season but got stretched to 7 games by Milwaukee in Round 1 of the NBA playoffs and swept in humiliating fashion by Orlando in Round 2. Answer, make the tough choices.

Dwyane Wade: The Heart of the Miami Heat

Dwyane Wade was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2003 where he quickly emerged as a solid player averaging 16 points per game with a 46% shooting average and around 4 assists per game all in his rookie year. While improving his game with outstanding performances in the playoffs he fell short to the selection of the 2004 NBA All-Rookie Team, placing his third in rookie of the year voting just behind Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James.

Trade Update

The Miami Heat traded away Eddie Jones for Jason Williams, Antoine Walker, and James Posey. While it looks good on paper, is this a good move for the Heat?

Players That Were on Fire

Let's all be honest, we do not normally think of the Miami Heat as being a team that can win the NBA title. In fact when compared to the Lakers and Celtics they resemble a High School Team. However don't be fooled, their skill as a whole is in no way indicative of their ability to develop top-level talent.

VP Reed to Retire

Willis Reed, who is the New Orleans Hornets' vice president of basketball operations, will definitely leave the NBA by retiring in June, the month in which he will turn 65.

Byron Scott the Leading New Orleans Hornet

New Orleans is a city that is full of life and full of hope. It is also a city that has had a special place in its heart for game of basketball since it first began hosting a professional team over a hundred years ago. This is why, when the Jazz decided to relocate to Utah the town that will not die was hurt, but did not stay down for long.

Taking the N off the NOK

Should the Hornets stay in Oklahoma permanently?

Kings Collapse and Ron Artest Injured In Game Against Utah Jazz

Through 3 periods Sacramento was in full control of Utah. The offense deficient Jazz now had to come back from a double-digit lead, which at the time looked almost impossible.

Early 2006 Season Analysis

Jerry Sloan has a quality team in his hands, but it hasn't yet developed like it should. The Jazz are doing better on the road than they are at the Delta Center, can the Utah Jazz return to their former glory?

The 09-10 Utah Jazz Look Just Like the 08-09 Jazz

Meet the 2009-2010 Utah Jazz. They might look familiar, and that's because they are. This is essentially the very same team that played for the Jazz in 2008-2009.

Larry H. Miller: Utah Jazz Owner Driven to Succeed

Understand that business is simple, find your niche, and don't be afraid to fail. This is wisdom from the late Larry H. Miller, an uncomplicated man whose financial empire included the Utah Jazz and who put faith and family above business.

Can the Sacramento Kings Improve in 2009-2010?

The Sacramento Kings were one of the NBA's most exciting franchises just a few short years ago. The combination of Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, and Peja Stojakovic made for one of the best groups in the NBA and they were an extremely exciting team to watch in action. Their flashy passing style and their unselfish play won them the affection of NBA fans from all around the league.

Play to Be Crowned As NBA Royalty

The Sacramento Kings have already played in one Conference Championship. Their next goal is to become NBA royalty by winning their first NBA Finals crown.

Coach Musselman Apologizes

With his players and bosses at his side in support, Sacramento Kings coach Eric Musselman gave his public apologizes at Arco Arena on Sunday after being arrested on a drunken driving charge. The tear-eyed coach addressed the media about his arrest before the team leave for an exhibition game against the New Orleans Hornets in Reno.

The New York Knicks Could Possibly Sign Kobe Bryant Along with LeBron James!

The New York Knicks are in the driver seat to land two maximum-contract free agents. This was made possible by recent cap room-clearing moves by the team, which freed up much needed cap space to possibly sign two of the games most outstanding players, in Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. They cleared up this cap room by getting rid of local crowd favorites, such as Jared Jeffries, Nate Robinson, and promising young talent, Jordan Hill.

Wat Misaka Honored by the New York Knicks As First Player of Color in the NBA

Wat Misaka was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1947 from the University of Utah championship basketball team. Although his time with the Knicks was cut short, he was the first non-white person to play in the NBA. He was recently honored by the New York Knicks at a game at Madison Square Garden. He just turned 86 years old.

Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks

When you hear the name Madison Square Garden, there are a lot of things that pop into you mind, if you are a Knicks fan, then only one name comes to the front of your head. This name is Patrick Ewing.

An NBA Super Story

The Los Angeles Lakers have dominated the NBA for decades; claiming stake to some of the most renowned players in basketball history. They struck gold when they drafted NBA rookie Kobe Bryant, but only time could reveal just how much this player could possibly reshape the face of the Los Angeles Lakers as we know it.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics

These two professional basketball teams have been rivals for years. Their rivalry goes deeper than the usual opposing team spirit. These two teams first met in the NBA Finals in 1959 when the then Minneapolis Lakers lost every game in the tournament against the Boston Celtics.

Can Last Year's 2010 NBA Champions Take the Crown Again?

The Los Angeles Lakers were making me nervous as the 2010 NBA Regular Season came to a close. With Kobe sitting out so many games, Lakers fans across the U.S., myself included, were coming to nail-biting conclusions about if the Lakers could pull off a season like last year, and if so, how in the world would they do it?

March Madness: A Study in Hype

How were your predictions for the final four? For the NCAA championship? Well, your predictions were as good as the sportscasters. Such hype!

Betting on March Madness

As a handicapper whose basis for selections consists almost exclusively on fundamental and situational analysis, I don't change my methods during the frenzied betting period aptly nicknamed March Madness. However, that being said, there are some additional situational factors that apply to this season ending span of college basketball which must be considered, and I'll point out a few along with key fundamental aspects that have delivered success for me in handicapping these games.

NCAA Conference Tournaments

March Madness is the official term of the NCAA Division I-A men's basketball tournament, but the actual madness begins two weeks earlier. The conference tournaments are just as wild, if not wilder. The conference tournaments are completed in three or four days, with some teams playing each day. This is where the Cinderellas get their invites to the ball, where below .500 teams come from nowhere to win championships and the automatic berths that come with it. This is where bubbles are burst or teams earn the right to compete for a national title.

What Should the Dallas Mavericks Do?

The Dallas Mavericks traded for Jason Kidd in hopes of winning this season's title...what happened? And what should they do after this season?

New and Improved in 09-10

The Dallas Mavericks lost in the second round to the Denver Nuggets in the 09' playoffs. This time the Mavs weren't the favorites but the under dogs - which they are not familiar in being. The Mavs have fallen back the last couple seasons - they were once the frontrunner in the West but now have become an average team.

Cuban’s Antics Spur Sales of Dallas Mavericks Tickets

People buy Dallas Mavericks tickets for varied reasons. Some are true fans of the sport of basketball and the team. Others will buy tickets sporadically as a means to have something to do.

"Trade" All Makes Sense

Mark Cuban never intended for Devin Harris, Desagana Diop, Maurice Ager, Jerry Stackhouse, or Devean George to leave for the New Jersey Nets. I think that's definitely clear, at least in my mind, until he proves otherwise.

A Kidd at Play

The New Jersey Nets are a team that has proven in the past to be able to do it all. They have been able to dominate the NBA and recruit great players to play for them. One classic example of this skill to get powerhouse team members to play for them is Jason Kidd.

09-10 Outlook

The New Jersey Nets (possibly the New York Nets soon) finished the 08'-09' regular season with a 34-48 season. The Nets weren't a good team on the road or at home either because they had losing records no matter where they played. The Nets were 19th in scoring and 17th in scoring defense.

Can the New Jersey Nets Survive Without Vince Carter?

The New Jersey Nets made a bold move this past off season. After having shipped out Jason Kidd to Dallas two seasons ago and Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee one season ago, the Nets decided to move off the last component of the team's "big 3" by trading Vince Carter to the Raptors. Carter is one of the bigger names in pro basketball.

Are the New Jersey Nets Really That Bad?

Losing is never a good thing. The ultimate goal in any sport is to win. In the New Jersey Nets' case, they haven't done much winning.

Could the Detroit Pistons be the Best in NBA History?

The Detroit Pistons have everything on their side right now. Time, wins, great players and some say they may be one of the best NBA team to ever grace the professional courts of the NBA. What do you think?

Give Rasheed Wallace the Ball Next Time

Detroit cost themselves a trip to the 2006 NBA finals by not utilizing Rasheed Wallace in the post.

Flip Murray Shot At

Police informed that no one was injured in the shooting. The police cannot ascertain the intent of the masked men and no suspects have been apprehended.

What is Isaiah Thomas Doing?

New York Knick's general manager has made dozens of bad deals that have only hurt his basketball team.

Billion Dollar Basketball Player

When it comes to marketing in basketball, Michael Jordan is the best player to do it. However, he may soon move over. LeBron James is not after millions, but billions. He recognizes the explosive growth potential in China and he wants in on the action.

Kobe Bryant: NBA Superstar

Born on August 23, 1978, Kobe Bryant is a native of Pennsylvania and a graduate of Lower Merion High School. The son of former NBA player Joe Jellybean Bryant, Kobe had no problem in making a name for himself after being voted a starter for the 1998 All-Star Game during his second season, which made him the youngest All-Star in NBA history at 19 years of age.

LeBron James is the Best Basketball Player on the Planet!

Sports fans love to debate. This is part of the excitement of sports, arguing about what players are best at their respective game or position. One that has become surprisingly popular pits second-year star LeBron James against various other greats, such as Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and others. It's surprising not only because LeBron is so young, so most people would exclude him but also because it really shouldn't be an argument at all.

Six Basketball Defense Tips: Defending the Basketball

Discover six basketball defense tips. Learn how to apply pressure and keep your opponents from scoring.

The Truth About Jumping Higher

What was it, which made Dominique Wilkins make those windmills or 360 spins so fast? Weren't you just nervous in a way, from the thought that you can't possibly do that and you though you'd give just about anything to be able to do that, so that you can impress your friends maybe with your astonishing dunks. Sounds familiar? Well here are some of the things I heard that Michael Jordan was doing to develop his vertical leap that he had at his best years of playing: He spent 2 hours a day, playing with weights on his legs. Not to mention the countless hours he spent on the court doing dunks or trying to perform dunks that he knew back then he wasn't capable of. Consider how many times he spent jumping under the rim just grabbing those rebounds.

Good Ball Handling is Important for All Basketball Players

Some players neglect developing good ball handling skills for some reason or another. Doing so will limit how good they can be.