NBA-Insider David Aldridge On BlackFives.com

On January 27, 2010, in Basic, Business, Community, Culture, Gear, Goodwill, History, N.B.A., Race, by Black Fives

Did you see what “NBA-Insider” David Aldridge wrote about me and BlackFives.com in his column on NBA.com?

These Nike Retros Are Hot Right Now

On March 23, 2009, in Basic, Gear, by Black Fives

The New York Rens have been in the news a lot lately, so that might explain why these Nike retros are hot right now.

My Adidas

On September 11, 2008, in Basic, Gear, History, by Black Fives

People often ask me (i.e., my kids) why I always wear Nike or Converse basketball sneakers, and I explain that it’s because I like to promote the Black Fives brand that those two great companies have represented so well through their licensed Black Fives products. But … those aren’t the only brands I’ve ever worn [...]

Special Basket Ball Pants

On August 25, 2008, in Gear, History, Premium, by Black Fives

Here’s another look at some early “basket ball” pants. These ones are “special.” I mentioned this style before in an earlier post that includes a photo of Howard University’s 1911 varsity basketball team wearing joints similar to these.

Official Jock Straps, Basket Ball Picnics, And More!

On August 22, 2008, in Basic, Gear, History, Humor, by Black Fives

In George T. Hepbron’s “How To Play Basket Ball,” published in 1904 by the American Sports Publishing Co., then at 21 Warren Street in New York City, there’s a delightful segment about how one is to set up a “basket

Early Laced Basketballs

On August 15, 2008, in Gear, History, Premium, by Black Fives

Did you know that early basketballs had laces? They had to be unlaced, pumped up, tested, and re-laced repeatedly until the air pressure of the rubber bladder inside was just right. These balls evolved to include external air

Toilet Style Basketball Hoops; The Original Flush?

On August 14, 2008, in Gear, History, Humor, Premium, by Black Fives

Ever wonder where the basketball term “flush” came from? What if it came from these early bottomless basketball baskets? Antique urinal. After each made field goal, a referee had to stop

How To Play Basketball, 1904 (Lessons For 2008 Olympians)

On August 4, 2008, in Gear, Health, History, Humor, N.B.A., Premium, by Black Fives

Here’s the a portion of the front cover of the 1904 publication “How To Play Basket Ball,” distributed by Spalding Sporting Goods.

Basket Ball Shoes, 1904 (Gum Bottom, E'rrybody Got 'Em)

On July 31, 2008, in Gear, History, Premium, by Black Fives

Pure gum bottom. E’rrybody got ‘em. In 1904, that is. That’s when A. G. Spalding Bros. was the Nike of its time. Whatever happened to Spalding? Maybe it was competition from the Converse Rubber Company, now Converse, which was formed in 1908. Or maybe it was because of the last line of this advertisement for [...]

Three

On June 26, 2008, in Basic, Gear, History, Humor, N.B.A., by Black Fives

Speaking of Schoolhouse Rock, from the other day, remember this ad? The original version: The past and the present and the future …

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