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Hoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History

Discover the rich legacy of basketball through this iconic image collection

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This captivating collection showcases the evolution of basketball, featuring legendary players and unforgettable moments that have defined the sport. From Michael Jordan's soaring dunks to the intense rivalries of the 1980s, each image tells a story of athleticism and passion. The Bettmann Archives provide a unique lens on this cultural phenomenon, highlighting pivotal moments that have shaped the game.

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Hoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan Collection
117 Items

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Michael Jordan Slam Dunking

Michael Jordan Slam Dunking
(Original Caption) Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan stuffs the basketball through the basket as the Knicks Maurice Cheeks watches helplessly (left) as Madison Square Garden 2/14

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Spud Webb Jumping Above Larry Bird

Spud Webb Jumping Above Larry Bird
Spud Webb, the 5-foot 7-inch guard for the Atlanta Hawks, flies past Celtic defenders Larry Bird and Dennis Johnson on his way to two points during 2nd quarter play at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball - NCAA Tournament - North Carolina vs. Georgetown

Basketball - NCAA Tournament - North Carolina vs. Georgetown
University of North Carolina basketball player Michael Jordan shoots the winning basket in the 1982 NCAA Finals against Georgetown University

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Phog Allen Coaching His Team

Phog Allen Coaching His Team
(Original Caption) Stars of tomorrow

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Superstar Michael Jordan Playing Golf

Basketball Superstar Michael Jordan Playing Golf
(Original Caption

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Bill Bradley Being Carried by Teammates After Victory

Bill Bradley Being Carried by Teammates After Victory
Bill Bradley being Carried by Teammates After Princeton defeated NC State 66 -48 in the semifinals of the East Region of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Bradley was later name the tournament MVP

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Richard Haenisch Holding Net atop Basketball Hoop

Richard Haenisch Holding Net atop Basketball Hoop
Chaminade University forward Richard Haenisch sits atop the basketball hoop holding the cut net following his team's upset victory over the University of Virginia at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Larry Bird Shooting Free Throw

Larry Bird Shooting Free Throw
Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird shoots a free throw during a game against the Detroit Pistons at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Kentucky Players Surrounding Jim Spanarkel of Duke

Kentucky Players Surrounding Jim Spanarkel of Duke
(Original Caption) Duke University's Jim Spanarkel has no place to go as he is surrounded by Kentucky's Truman Clayton(22), Jack Givens(21), Kyle Macy(40)

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Police Booking College Basketball Players

Police Booking College Basketball Players
(Original Caption) Dale Barnstable, Ralph Beard and Alex Groza (left to right) all members of the 1948-49 National Championship Kentucky basketball team

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: James Naismith with the First Basketball Team

James Naismith with the First Basketball Team
(Original Caption) The first basketball team, consisting of nine players and their coach on the steps of the Springfield College Gymnasium in 1891 are shown. Dr

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball's Inventor Dr. Naismith

Basketball's Inventor Dr. Naismith
The inventor of basketball, Dr. James Naismith, stands in a field carrying a ball and a basket

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Witl Chamberlain Going Up For Basket

Witl Chamberlain Going Up For Basket
(Original Caption) Wilt Chamberlain is shown going up for the basket. Undated photograph

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Coach Bill Van Breda Kolff on Sidelines

Coach Bill Van Breda Kolff on Sidelines
(Original Caption) L. A. Lakers coach, Bill Van Breda Kolff, formerly a college coach at Princeton University, is starting his 1st year as professional basketball coach of the L.A. Lakers

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Lakers Coach Bill Van Breda Kolff Shouts from Sidelines

Lakers Coach Bill Van Breda Kolff Shouts from Sidelines
(Original Caption) L. A. Lakers coach, Bill Van Breda Kolff, formerly a college coach at Princeton University, is starting his 1st year as professional basketball coach of the L.A. Lakers

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Lew Alcindor Leaping In Air/Hs Basketbal

Lew Alcindor Leaping In Air/Hs Basketbal
(Original Caption) Ca. 1964-Lew Alciindor, playing with Power High Memorial High School, is shown leaping in the air during a basketball game with another high school. Filed 2/6/1964

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Greats Walking Through Airport

Basketball Greats Walking Through Airport
(Original Caption) Bill Bradley is shown standing with Willis Reed, (wearing hat), and other Knick players at an airport

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Portrait of Buffalo Braves Player Bob McAdoo

Portrait of Buffalo Braves Player Bob McAdoo
1974- Close-up of Bob McAdoo, basketball player for the Buffalo Braves in his uniform. Undated color slide

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Manute Bol Holding Basketball

Manute Bol Holding Basketball
Washington Bullets Manute Bol in front of the Washington Monument. He hold a basketball in his hand which seems to touch the tip of the Monument from the distance at which he stands

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Players Scramble for Ball

Basketball Players Scramble for Ball
(Original Caption) High Flying. New York, New York: Yale's Dick Joyce grabs rebound on the fly in scramble under basket in first half of consolation playoff at Garden

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Chamberlain Scores Record Breaking Basket

Chamberlain Scores Record Breaking Basket
(Original Caption) Detroit: Philadelphia Warriors Wilt Chamberlain (#13) lets fly with the shot that broke the National Basketball Association individual scoring record of 2

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Nat Dolph Schayes and Wilt Chamberlain Fighting for Rebound

Nat Dolph Schayes and Wilt Chamberlain Fighting for Rebound
(Original Caption) Philadelphia: When Syracuse Nat Dolph Schayes (#4) tried to grab a rebound from Warrior Wilt Chamberlain here, February 6th, Wilt snapped his huge arms together like a trap

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Cliff Hagen Holding Basketball

Cliff Hagen Holding Basketball
(Original Caption) Cliff Hagen of the Hawks

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Frank Serany and Ed Kweller

Frank Serany and Ed Kweller
(Original Caption) Duquesne Cage team practices for L.I.U

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Wilt Chamberlain Closeup, In Uniform

Wilt Chamberlain Closeup, In Uniform
(Original Caption) Wilt Chamberlain, of the Philadelphia 76ers. He stands at 7'1", weighs 275 pounds and is from Kansas. Undated publicity handout

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Lemon Meadowlark

Lemon Meadowlark
Photograph of Lemon Meadowlark of the Harlem Globetrotters. Photo shows Meadowlark with basketball in an action pose in front of a brick wall. Undated Photograph

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Portrait of Bob Cousy Bouncing Basketball

Portrait of Bob Cousy Bouncing Basketball
(Original Caption) Bob Cousy, the American basketball star is shown here in this undated photograph

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Bill Bradley and Basketball Officials Sitting with Basketball

Bill Bradley and Basketball Officials Sitting with Basketball
(Original Caption) Irving Mitchell Felt, (left, and Ned Irish, flank Bill Bradley as Princeton Rhodes Scholar pens Knick's contract yesterday

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Women's Basketball at Wellesley College

Women's Basketball at Wellesley College
(Original Caption) Wellesley College-Basketball in gym

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Four Young Men Playing Basketball/Univ

Four Young Men Playing Basketball/Univ
(Original Caption) VT-Photo shows four young men playing basketball, University of Vermont. Models: H. Paxman, R. Boudreau, G. Shea and G. Abair, Ca. 1950s

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Field Day and Halloween Party

Field Day and Halloween Party
(Original Caption) Wellesley College Field Day and Halloween Party at Wellesley, Massachusetts, October 31, 1914. Basketball game

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Wellesley College Basketball Team

Wellesley College Basketball Team
(Original Caption) Wellesley College Field Day and Halloween Party, at Wellesley, Massachusetts, October 31, 1914. The champion basketball team, Class of 1916

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Nat Holman Posing with Basketball

Nat Holman Posing with Basketball
(Original Caption) Portrait of basketball player Nat Holman (1896-) in uniform and holding a ball, who played with the original New York Celtics from 1921-1928

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Group Portrait of Crescent College Basketball Players

Group Portrait of Crescent College Basketball Players
(Original Caption) USA: Victorious Crescents which have defeated biggest college teams in New York and vicinity and have won 23 out of 25 games this season--to go to Atlanta

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: University of Chicago Basketball Players Demonstrating Moves

University of Chicago Basketball Players Demonstrating Moves

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Babe Ruth with Basketball

Babe Ruth with Basketball
(Original Caption) Babe Ruth in the uniform of the Babe Ruth All-Stars basketball team of Passaic, New Jersey, which met the Celtic All-Stars team for basketball honors

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: University of Pennsylvania Basketball Team

University of Pennsylvania Basketball Team
(Original Caption) University of Penn. Basketball Champions. Members of the Univ. of Penn. championship Intercollegiate Basketball Team

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Making a Basket

Making a Basket
(Original Caption) Children's games and sports in the Spring.Playing basketball-caging a basket

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Girls Playing Basketball

Girls Playing Basketball
(Original Caption) This Girls High School Team Has Record

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Fans Cheering at Baseball Game

Fans Cheering at Baseball Game
(Original Caption) Boys Play for City Basketball Championship

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Portrait of Columbia Basketball Squad

Portrait of Columbia Basketball Squad
(Original Caption) The basketball season opened November 16, 1925 at Columbia University with the squad showing up for first practice and an examination of the material on hand

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Very Tall Female Basketball Star Posing with Her Peers

Very Tall Female Basketball Star Posing with Her Peers
(Original Caption) York, Pa.: Tallest Women In Basketball

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Dick Meenan Instructing Members of His Team

Dick Meenan Instructing Members of His Team
(Original Caption) The basketball season opened Nov. 16 at Columbia University with the squad showing up for first practice and an examination of the material on hand

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Bryn Mawr Basketball Team

Bryn Mawr Basketball Team
(Original Caption) Bryn Mawr Basketball Team. Kneeling left to right: Hermaine Sewitz, New York City; Francis Jay, (Captain), New York City

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: James Naismith

James Naismith
(Original Caption) Dr. James Naismith, inventor of the game of basketball

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Athletes at Radcliffe College

Athletes at Radcliffe College
(Original Caption) All-Around Athletes at Radcliffe College

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: James Naismith Speaking to His Wife

James Naismith Speaking to His Wife
(Original Caption) Originators of Basketball Discuss the Game. Lawrence, Kansas: Photo shows Mr. and Mrs. James Naismith, discussing the game of basketball of which they are the originators

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Girl Holding Basketball

Girl Holding Basketball
(Original Caption) She throws a mean basketball at Radcliffe

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Full-Length Of Francis Schmidt Outside

Full-Length Of Francis Schmidt Outside
(Original Caption) Francis A. Schmidt, football and basketball coach at Texas Christian University since 1929, was appointed head football coach at Ohio State University on March 2

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Player Passing Ball to Teammate

Basketball Player Passing Ball to Teammate
(Original Caption) Boston, Massachusetts: Celtics Bob Cousy, #14, leaps, turns, and palms ball off to teammate Tom Heinshohn (L) who scored on a lay up. St

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Mildred 'Babe' Didrickson

Mildred "Babe" Didrickson is shown here

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Women's Basketball Team

Women's Basketball Team
(Original Caption) After the Ball was Over

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Mildred Didrickson Standing in Basketball Practice Line

Mildred Didrickson Standing in Basketball Practice Line
(Original Caption) Mildred "Babe" Didrickson, America's outstanding woman athlete, shoots for the basket here, as other members of the Brooklyn Yankees, a girls team, await their turns

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Babe Didrikson Throwing Basketball

Babe Didrikson Throwing Basketball
(Original Caption) It seems as though there's nothing that Mildred "Babe" Didrikson cannot do - and do well

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Babe Didrikson Playing Basketball

Babe Didrikson Playing Basketball
(Original Caption) It seems as though there's nothing that Mildred Babe Didrikson cannot do - and do well

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Gathering of Golf Coaches

Gathering of Golf Coaches
(Original Caption) College Coaches at Golf Classic

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Player Towers over Babe Didrikson

Basketball Player Towers over Babe Didrikson
(Original Caption) Not content with the laurels she has won in many other branches of sport, Babe Didrikson, girl athletic marvel has joined a basketball aggregation

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Babe Didrikson Introducing Basketball Team

Babe Didrikson Introducing Basketball Team
(Original Caption) Not content with the laurels she has won in many other branches of sport, Babe Didrikson

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Portrait of Basetball Player Clair Bee

Portrait of Basetball Player Clair Bee
1934-Retouched, close-up photograph of Clair Bee, basketball player

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Notre Dame and N.Y.U. Competing in a Basketball Game

Notre Dame and N.Y.U. Competing in a Basketball Game
(Original Caption) Notre Dame cage artists met the New York University team in a thrilling basketball game at Madison Square Garden tonight. N.Y.U. won 25 to 18, Rubinstein of N.Y.U

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Girl Basketball Team Posing for Camera

Girl Basketball Team Posing for Camera
(Original Caption) The Girl's Varsity Basketball Squad of Rider College at Trenton, New Jersey, is shown as they posed in the college gym

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Duquesne Basketball Team

Duquesne Basketball Team
(Original Caption) Duquesne Cagers practice for L.I.U

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: College Basketball at Madison Square Garden

College Basketball at Madison Square Garden
Dinty Moore of Leland Stanford University lays up as Kenny Norton of Long Island University rushes up for a possible rebound during a game at Madison Square Garden

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Players On Court

Basketball Players On Court
(Original Caption) Oilers Puts Skids Under Temple Cagers

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: 1936 US Olympic Basketball Team

1936 US Olympic Basketball Team
Portrait of members of the Universal Studios basketball team after winning a tournament at Madison Square Garden that earned them the right to represent the United States at the 1936 Summer Olympics

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Stanford and C.C.N.Y

Stanford and C.C.N.Y
Hank Luisetti, number 7

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Player Hank Luisetti in Practice

Basketball Player Hank Luisetti in Practice
Stanford basketball player Hank Luisetti dribbles right past his teammate, Jack Calderwood, during a workout at Stanford University

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Referee Calming Basketball Players

Referee Calming Basketball Players
(Original Caption) No, No. Not Tonight! New York, New York: Basketballers at Madison Square Garden evidently got basketball night mixed up with fight night

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: University of Colorado Basketball Teammates Posing with the Ball

University of Colorado Basketball Teammates Posing with the Ball
(Original Caption) New York, New York: Colorado Quintet Which Goes against N.Y.U. Tonight

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Bill Barringer Dunking Basketball

Bill Barringer Dunking Basketball
(Original Caption) Wide Eyed and Open Mouthed. New York: Note the expressions on the faces of the other players as Bill Barringer of Oklahoma A. and M

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Scrimmage

Basketball Scrimmage
(Original Caption) Football On the Basketball Court

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Oklahoma Versus Temple University Basketball Game

Oklahoma Versus Temple University Basketball Game
(Original Caption) Oklahoma A & M Bows to Temple

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Aerial View of Basketball Game

Aerial View of Basketball Game
(Original Caption) Temple Defeats Colorado For Basketball Title

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Players Jumping for Ball

Basketball Players Jumping for Ball
(Original Caption) As Temple Defeated Colorado for Championship

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Don Henderson and Jack Harvey Vying for Basketball

Don Henderson and Jack Harvey Vying for Basketball
(Original Caption) On the Rebound

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Player Hank Luisetti with Paramount Actresses

Basketball Player Hank Luisetti with Paramount Actresses
Hank Luisetti, All-American basketball player from Stanford, heads to the Paramount commissary to have lunch with actresses Janet Waldo (L) and Harriet Haddon

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Portrait of William J. Reinhart

Portrait of William J. Reinhart
(Original Caption) William J. (Bill) Reinhart, football and basketball coach at George Washington University, Washington, DC

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Game

Basketball Game
(Original Caption) Owl Scores

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basketball Players on Court

Basketball Players on Court
(Original Caption) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Action during the Temple-Minnesota basketball game. Minnesota won 38-35. December 29, 1938

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: George Glamack

George Glamack, center, North Carolina University basketball team, 1938-1939

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Basket ball Player Jimmy Hull

Basket ball Player Jimmy Hull
(Original Caption) Jimmy Hull, (8), Ohio State University Captain, congratulated by Montgomery, (11), Villanova Captain

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: Cleveland Rookie Lou Boudreau in Serious Pose

Cleveland Rookie Lou Boudreau in Serious Pose
(Original Caption) Tribe's New Infield Duo. Lou Boudreau, one time University of Illinois basketball captain, is shortstop of Cleveland Indians

Background imageHoops Through Time: A Visual Journey of Basketball History: John F. Kennedy Signing up For the Draft

John F. Kennedy Signing up For the Draft
(Original Caption) How many remember that in fall quarter 1940 John F. Kennedy was a graduate student at large at Stanford



Dive into this visual journey  from the Bettmann Archives that celebrates not just the sport,

but the spirit and determination that have inspired generations of fans and players alike.

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