In 'Magic in the Air', Mike Sielski uncovers the lesser-known story of basketball pioneer Jack Inglis alongside legends like Michael Jordan. The book combines engaging anecdotes with a broader examination of the slam dunk’s evolution in sports, juxtaposing it with social and racial dynamics. Sielski argues the dunk represents an improvisational spirit in America, pivotal for transforming basketball from a slower, grounded game to one characterized by athleticism and flair. He critiques historical resistance to the dunk, such as the NCAA ban from 1967 to 1976, highlighting its vital role in energizing basketball culture.
Inglis, a superb athlete for his day, was known to climb up the fence alongside the basket, grab a pass with one hand, and drop it into the hoop from above.
Sielski uses the stories of key athletes and moments to paint a bigger picture of a sport's evolution from earthbound (and rather slow) competition to sky-high (and very fast) exuberance.
The NCAA even banned the dunk from 1967 to 1976, which, when you think about it, is remarkably stupid: Hey, let's eliminate the most kinetic part of the game.
'Magic in the Air' honors the dunk as a great feat of American improvisation, probably not as significant as jazz but not entirely dissimilar.
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