Ep 7. The Spring of '57

In "Basketball: A Love Story" season 1 episode 7, titled "The Spring of '57," viewers go back in time to witness the historic 1957 NCAA championship game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Kansas Jayhawks. The episode also delves into the lives and stories of some of the key players and coaches from both teams.

The episode begins with a look at the head coaches for both teams - North Carolina's Frank McGuire and Kansas' Dick Harp. McGuire, a former New York City streetball legend, came to North Carolina after establishing a successful program at St. John's University in New York. Harp, meanwhile, was a former player and assistant coach under renowned Kansas coach Phog Allen, and had taken over the program after Allen's retirement.

The episode then shifts its focus to the players on both teams. North Carolina, led by star forward Lennie Rosenbluth, had gone 27-0 during the regular season and was the heavy favorite heading into the NCAA tournament. However, they faced a tough challenge from Kansas, led by all-around star player Wilt Chamberlain.

Viewers get a glimpse into Rosenbluth's background, including his Jewish heritage and his struggles to adapt to life in the South. The episode also touches on the racial tensions that existed in college basketball during this time period. Rosenbluth's teammate, Joe Quigg, recalls how he and his fellow white players had to sneak Chamberlain into their hotel room for team meetings because he wasn't allowed to stay in the same hotel as the rest of the team.

The episode then explores Chamberlain's rise to prominence, including his legendary 100-point game while playing for the Harlem Globetrotters. Kansas assistant coach Ted Owens describes how they recruited Chamberlain, while fellow Jayhawk player B.H. Born recalls playing against Chamberlain in high school and realizing just how dominant he was.

As the episode builds towards the championship game, viewers get a sense of the intense pressure and media attention surrounding both teams. They hear from journalists who covered the game, including longtime sportswriter Frank Deford, and see footage of the fans and atmosphere surrounding the game.

The game itself is thrilling, with both teams putting up a fight until the very end. Rosebluth and Quigg keep North Carolina in the game, while Chamberlain dominates on both sides of the court for Kansas. The episode does an excellent job of building the tension and excitement of the game, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Overall, "Basketball: A Love Story" season 1 episode 7 is an excellent exploration of one of the most historic college basketball games of all time. It provides a fascinating look at the lives and stories of the players and coaches from both teams, as well as the larger cultural context surrounding the game. Fans of basketball history won't want to miss this episode.