Watch Black Magic

Black Magic is a documentary series produced by ESPN, which tells the stories of African-American basketball innovators and pioneers. The two-part series first aired on March 16, 2008. Black Magic is a comprehensive look at the historical and cultural impact of African-Americans in college basketball from the 1950s to the 1980s. The series offers an insightful and compelling perspective on the sport from the eyes of some of basketball's greatest pioneers.

The show is divided into two parts, each detailing the achievements of African-American college basketball players, coaches, and schools during two different eras of college basketball. The first part covers the period from the 1950s to the early 70s, and the second part focuses on the late 60s to the 80s.

Throughout the series, viewers get to hear from legendary basketball figures like Earl Monroe, Fred Whitted, and Ben Jobe, as well as other significant figures that played a pivotal role in breaking down the barriers that kept African-American players from reaching the top levels of college basketball. The series also showcases lesser-known players, coaches, and schools that made significant contributions to the game.

Black Magic takes a deep dive into the racial discrimination and segregation that African-American basketball players faced during their time at college. It highlights how, despite the incredible talent of these players, they were often overlooked for scholarships, awards, and opportunities to play, due to the color of their skin.

The show features stories of legendary players like Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, who revolutionized college basketball with his patented spin moves and breathtaking ball handling skills. The show also highlights coaches like Ben Jobe, who was a trailblazer for African-American coaches and led his teams to historic victories and championships. Other notable figures include Al Attles, an African-American coach who led the Golden State Warriors to their first-ever NBA championship, and Nolan Richardson, who became the first African-American coach to win the NCAA championship in 1994.

Black Magic also examines the cultural impact of African-American basketball during the time period covered in the series. It explores how the game was used as a vehicle for social change and how the struggles of African-American basketball players were intertwined with the broader Civil Rights Movement of the era. In this sense, Black Magic goes beyond basketball and offers an insightful look at the fight for equality and justice that defined 20th-century America.

Overall, Black Magic is an outstanding documentary series that provides an honest look at the historical contributions of African-American athletes and coaches to college basketball. The series is a must-watch for any basketball fan, as it not only provides a glimpse into the past but also offers valuable insights into the present and future of the sport. Black Magic is not just a celebration of basketball, but a celebration of the human spirit and the power of perseverance, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity.

Black Magic is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between March 17, 2008 and on ESPN