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The First Basket

Play trailer The First Basket 2008 1h 26m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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70% Tomatometer 10 Reviews 29% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Chronicling Jewish roots of the NBA and basketball's influence on modern Jewish culture.

Critics Reviews

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Sam Adams Los Angeles Times 11/14/2008
3/5
It uncovers a fascinating and largely forgotten chapter of the game's history that is well worth revisiting. Go to Full Review
Lou Lumenick New York Post 10/31/2008
2.5/4
A valuable reminder that for nearly three decades, basketball was dominated by Jewish players -- and coaches who found the sport an ideal vehicle for assimilation in the United States. Go to Full Review
Ronnie Scheib Variety 10/29/2008
When the history of the sport is allowed to unfold through the reminiscences of geriatric Yiddish pros, pic approaches the richness of its impressive archival trove. Too often, however, director David Vyorst's chauvinistic agenda intrudes. Go to Full Review
Bob Strauss Los Angeles Daily News 11/14/2008
3/4
David Vyorst's comprehensive and celebratory documentary presents the stats in one easy-to-follow, nicely organized 86 minutes. Go to Full Review
Mark Keizer Boxoffice Magazine 11/04/2008
2/5
The First Basket is a moderately interesting documentary about a moderately interesting subject. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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02/28/2013 This was really good documentary on the beginnings of basketball in America and it's origins I'm sure will surprise a lot of people. It's all very interesting as you can see the game change, form and develop into the modern era and some of the key players from the begining give thier insights on how the game has evolved. See more 07/19/2009 Good documentary showing how Jewish Immigrants to America had many parts to play in the history of Basketball. Interesting See more 05/23/2008 A talking head documentary which tells the story of jewish participation in the development of basketball. This documentary sheds an important light on a forgotten part of Jewish-American history.For Vyorst basketball was a way for Jews, especially New Yorkers, to become assimilated into American life. The big flaw for me is Vyorst doesn't do a convincing enough job explaining why there aren't many Jews playing at a high level today. I think it has less to do with demographic shifts and more to do with New York's shrinking influence on the game. You'd be hard pressed to find a star player in the NBA from New York of any race or ethnicity. (For those who would say Telfair or Marbury I would reiterate the word STAR.)Still this docco does a good job of highlighting a fascinating chapter in American History. See more Read all reviews
The First Basket

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Chronicling Jewish roots of the NBA and basketball's influence on modern Jewish culture.
Director
David Vyorst
Distributor
Laemmle/Zeller Films
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 29, 2008, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA)
$19.0K
Runtime
1h 26m