How Basketball Can Save the World. David Hollander.

How Basketball Can Save the World.   David Hollander.

Thirteen Guiding Principles for Re-imagining What’s Possible. 

Can the game of Basketball save the world?   Before providing a quick response consider reading what author, and NYU professor, David Hollander asserts in his book How Basketball Can Save the World.   The easy answer is likely not.    However, Hollander offers many practical principles and concepts that gets the reader to ponder how the dynamics in, on and around the basketball court could easily be mirrored in business, government, education, and any other realm.  

Hollander skillfully blends the thoughts, works and philosophy of the founder of basketball into each chapter.   The thirteen principles uncovered in the book are well aligned with the sayings and prophecy of Dr. James Naismith.  This is engaging for two reasons.  First, the amount of research done to generate the principles and tie them to Naismith is interesting and impressive.    Secondly, Naismith, who was not a flashy person, is a fascinating read and for many a surprisingly major influence for not just a globally popular game but also an ever rising and commercialized culture onto itself.  

Simple enough concepts such as cooperation, balance, barriers, and isolation are part of the many principles introduced and discussed thoroughly within this book.    Hollander asserts that cooperation was considered by many members of a specific organization to be the most important trait a peer could possess ahead of skills such as content or technical knowledge.  Of course, in the game of basketball, cooperation (even while engaged with others we do not know) is essential during play to help achieve the primary goal of winning.   In another chapter, the author argues how there are no barriers on the basketball court.   All players are welcome to court regardless of gender, race or even ability.    What if typical society offerings were stripped of these similar barriers such as banking, housing and even college admissions.  

Other more complex concepts such as positionless-ness, human alchemy, sanctuary, and transcendence make up additional principles that are skillfully made analogous to world problems faced every day in many cultures.    In the game of basketball, any player can touch a ball, grab a rebound, make a pass and play defense regardless of size, athleticism, or any other physical characteristics.   Hollander writes about how many colleges tend look for students that conform to certain traditional, and perhaps outdated, norms.    What is more is how career paths are often restrictive of growth experiences due to rigid job requirements and duties.    Another example of how a principle can be applied is to realize that basketball to many is considered their sanctuary.    That is, a player can come to the court, play for hours, and get away from the daily rigors of life for however long necessary.    The book argues that we all need this daily escape in our lives and that this could best be met on the basketball court, in particular.  

Hollander strongly asserts that these principles could only work for the game of basketball because of the relative ease of play, limited equipment necessary and the lack of need for many other players to engage in activity.    One must wonder, though, what about the other sports that people play and participate?    Pickle-ball is currently rising as a popular global sport where most can play without much training or athletic background.    Furthermore, the game of ball golf is still popular enough in American culture and can be just as effective as a solo sport.   In the end Hollander might see the point but argue that only in basketball do we take ownership of the game, the court and the culture created there.  Only Basketball offers the package of single play or group play, global interest, and equal opportunities for all to play offense and defense in the same game, have a chance to dribble, pass and shoot, engage with those we know or work towards a common goal with strangers yet also create a safe social engagement for all welcomed participants.  

The book is three hundred pages.   While some parts are more intriguing than others, there is so much to glean from each section.   Whether it is the Toronto model or the historic influence of the Post Office or even uncovering the ancient philosophy of Ubuntu, the reader is afforded a chance to grow in the ways of the world well beyond the game of basketball.    While the game of basketball nor this book or even the authors NYU course of the same name will likely save the world from itself, the stories, concepts, and principles built from Dr. Naismith have already influenced the lives and culture of many.    There is no reason why the sports fan or other interested readers cannot find a similar impact. 

·         You might like to read this book if you are a basketball fan.

·         You might like to read this book if you are a young or older sports fan.

·         You might like to read this book if you like American and global sports history.

·         You might like to read this book if you seek connections between sports and social sciences.  

Learn more about the author:   https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2249620/david-hollander/