ARTICLES
NBACountdown to the G.O.A.T. — #4: Wilt Chamberlain
At #4, the player who changed THE game. Wilt Chamberlain was responsible for more rule changes than any player in history — they rewrote the rules to try and neutralize him.
Sep 17, 2026
NBACountdown to the G.O.A.T. — #5: Earvin "Magic" Johnson
The countdown to the #1 greatest basketball player of all time begins. At #5, one of the two players — along with Larry Bird — who rescued the NBA from mediocrity in the early '80s. Part Hollywood, part Mid-America heartland: Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
Sep 10, 2026
Illinois SpecialIllinois HS Greats: More Legends From the 1950s Through the 1990s
11 more Illinois high school basketball greats from seven decades — reader-submitted names recognizing the players and coaches who made their mark on the state's basketball history. Featuring Michael Finley, Dave Corzine, Eric Anderson, and more.
Sep 8, 2026
Illinois SpecialNo Great Illinois High School Player Forgotten — Part II
The latest installment of reader-submitted Illinois high school basketball legends — from Mannie Jackson and Govoner Vaughn at Edwardsville in the 1950s to Patrick Beverley and Martell Bailey in the 2000s — plus a Coach's Corner on Max Kurland, Mike Bailey, Will Slager, and Jim Maxedon.
Sep 1, 2026
Illinois SpecialNo Great Illinois High School Player Forgotten
The next round of reader-submitted Illinois high school basketball greats — from Dave Downey and Don Ohl in the 1950s to Darius Miles in the 2000s — plus a Coach's Corner on Edwardsville's Mike Waldo.
Aug 30, 2026
Illinois SpecialNow Available: The 2nd Edition of The History of the Greater Egyptian Conference
Over a dozen new photos, mistakes corrected, stats and records updated, and 73 of 77 conference MVPs now identified. $20, shipping included. Order via Venmo.
Aug 29, 2026
More Greats From the Past: Seven Decades of Illinois High School Basketball's Best
More reader-submitted Illinois high school basketball greats — from Bob Bender and Tom Hawkins in the 1950s to Steve Bardo in the 1980s. Seven decades of overlooked legends.
Aug 27, 2026
Illinois SpecialYou Spoke, I Listened
Thanks to many of you for sending me names and information on Illinois high school basketball greats of the past. Here are the players you submitted — from Bo Ellis and Ricky Green to old-timers like Ed 'Moose' Krause.
Aug 20, 2026
Illinois SpecialOK, Critics — Here's Your Do-Over: Who Did I Leave Off the All-Decade Teams?
You told me I was wrong. Now prove it. Send me the name, school, decade, and why your player belongs on the Illinois All-Decade Team — and I'll add the best ones to the list.
Aug 19, 2026
Illinois SpecialDid I Miss Anyone? Help Me Find the Overlooked Illinois High School Basketball Players of the 1950s, 60s & 70s
I just finished my All-Decade Teams series from the 1950s through the 2010s. Most of the response was positive — but some of you had names I left off. Here's your chance to help me find the deserving players I missed, starting with the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Aug 17, 2026
The Decade of the 2010's
Final installment in a seven-part series on great Illinois high school basketball programs and coaches — the 2010s, featuring Jalen Brunson and Lincolnshire Stevenson, Chicago Young, Chicago Simeon, Nick Irvin's Morgan Park dynasty, Centralia, Evanston, the small-school powers Woodlawn, Nokomis, Harrisburg, Nashville, and Okawville, plus the legendary coaching careers of Gene Pingatore and Joe Hosman.
Aug 13, 2026
Illinois SpecialThe Decade of the 2000's
Sixth in a seven-part series on great Illinois high school basketball programs and coaches — the 2000s, featuring Chicago Simeon's dynasty under Robert Smith, Derrick Rose, Peoria, Rockford Auburn, Aurora West, Chicago Young, Lincoln, and the Class A powers Pinckneyville, Nokomis, Cairo, and Woodlawn.
Aug 9, 2026
NBAThe Plumbers' Myth: NBA Legends Who Would Dominate Today
Were the 'old' NBA players really just plumbers? A look at four legends — Paul Arizin, Jerry West, Pete Maravich, and Tiny Archibald — who would be even better in today's game with the 3-point arc, spread floor, and modern rules.
Aug 5, 2026
Illinois SpecialThe Decade of the 1990's
Fifth in a seven-part series on great Illinois high school basketball programs and coaches — the 1990s, featuring Peoria Manual's four straight state titles under Wayne McClain, three Illinois Mr. Basketball winners, Maywood Proviso East, Chicago King, Quincy, and the Class A powers Pinckneyville, Nokomis, Harrisburg, and Nashville.
Aug 3, 2026
Illinois SpecialThe Decade of the 1980's
Fourth in a seven-part series on great Illinois high school basketball programs and coaches — the 1980s, featuring East St. Louis Lincoln's four state titles, Quincy, Peoria Manual, Chicago Simeon, Springfield Lanphier, and the Class A powers Lawrenceville, McLeansboro, and Providence St. Mel.
Jul 28, 2026
Illinois SpecialThe Decade of the 1970's
Third in a seven-part series on great Illinois high school basketball programs and coaches — the 1970s, featuring Dolton Thornridge, LaGrange, Quincy, Proviso East, Collinsville, Bloom, Benton, and the small-school powers of the new A Class.
Jul 21, 2026
The Impact of the 3-Point Shot on Basketball
Six revolutionary players have changed the NBA — this is the story of Steph Curry, Mike D'Antoni, Darryl Morey, and how the 3-point line transformed the point guard position and the game forever.
Jul 16, 2026
Illinois SpecialThe Decade of the 1960's
Collinsville's undefeated '61 squad, Chicago Carver's rise, and the Golden Era of Illinois high school basketball — the best programs and coaches of the 1960s.
Jul 15, 2026
Illinois SpecialThe Decade of the 1950's
Max Hooper and Mt. Vernon's 1950 squad — named the best high school basketball team in the USA. Six legendary Illinois programs defined the 1950s.
Jul 8, 2026
NBAAll-Time Best Rebounder
The fourth post in the Yardstick series — Jack Sutter reveals his top 10 greatest rebounders of all time, with context on era, longevity, and the eye test from 70 years in the game.
Jun 23, 2026
NBAThe Truth About the NBA Draft
A 37-year statistical analysis reveals the surprising truth about NBA draft success rates and which picks truly impact the league.
Jun 23, 2026
Illinois SpecialThe Forgotten Era: Illinois High School Basketball Legends Before 1950
Before the golden age of the 1950s, Illinois produced legendary high school basketball players whose stories deserve to be told. A look back at the greats who came before the modern era.
Jun 21, 2026
CollegeRescue College Basketball: Rules Changes That Would Make the Game More Exciting
If I was made basketball czar and could make changes to this game I love, what would they be?
Jun 21, 2026
CollegeThese College Basketball Coaches Revolutionized the Game
These are coaches that revolutionized the college basketball game — coaches I personally saw or in a couple of cases coached against. My list is based on three criteria: direct impact on how the game was played, altering the game or its players, and considered a 'rebel' or different approach than their peers.
Jun 20, 2026
CollegeThe 10 Best College Basketball Players of All Time
After publishing my book about the 75 best basketball players of all time, I thought it would be fun to produce a list of only 10 players that I consider the best to ever play basketball in college.
Jun 20, 2026
NBADomination
Recently I wrote and posted my thoughts on the most 'unstoppable' basketball players in the history of the game. The response was unbelievable — over 3,000 views and over 800 comments, shares, and likes. My #1 criteria was domination.
Jun 20, 2026
NBARussell vs Chamberlain
Two players that played the same position in the same era — arguably the most compared and debated players to ever play. Here is why I believe Wilt Chamberlain was a better basketball player than Bill Russell.
Jun 20, 2026
NBAA Generational Player
Over 4,300 players have played in the 77-year history of the NBA. I believe there have only been four generational players. What defines a generational player? It goes far beyond making All-Star teams.
Jun 20, 2026
NBABasketball G.O.A.T. by Era
If there has been one topic in basketball that would be classified as 'over-kill' it would have to be the discussion about who is 'The G.O.A.T.' In this post I want to try and make some sense out of this debate by focusing on just ONE criterion — the era.
Jun 20, 2026
