New York Back?

Basketball, in its early years was dominated by the New York area. It started in the 20's and continued into the 30s, 40s, and 50s, with the the coined phrase "Jew ball" built in the house leagues in New York. This basketball was highlighted with names like Red Auerbach, Red Holzman, Nat Holman. It spread to the local universities like; NYU, Brooklyn College, City College of New York, and St. John's. Until the early 2000s St. John's was a very successful basketball school, competing in arguably the best conference in the NCAA the Big East. But after 2002 their success disappeared into the abyss of the New York City lights.

But, the NBA brought them continued success, their New York Knickerbockers, who was coached by none other than the basketball mind, Red Holzman. Under his tutelage, he made the Knicks a championship contender again in '68, although they didn't win it all, it was a start to a bright future. Two years later they made it to the NBA championships in 1970, where they won it all. Then three years later they won it again.

 The Knicks success faltered at the same time St. John's did. Just like the Johnnies the talent of the rest of the country caught up with the Knicks, and they just couldn't find the right fit for them. Whether it was Isiah Thomas' screw ups as a GM, to Stephon "Starberry" Marbury just BEING on the team, it was just one mess up after another for them.
Just as they went out together, they both have recently come back to the spotlight together. The Johnnies hold a 10-4 record and a 3-1 record in a extremely tough and competitive Big East conference. With coach Steve Lavin at the helm, they look to be making strides in the right direction with a bunch of seniors, and a great freshman class coming in next year, the future for the Johnnies looks brighter than the lights of New York.

The Knicks, also with a new coach Mike D'Antoni, and some new "descent" players, Amare Stoudemire, and Raymond Felton. With some good role players around them, they have led the Knickerbockers to a 21-15 record the second best record in the Eastern Conference's, East Division. I am sad to say, because of their success I have started to watch the NBA again, no matter how much I hate it. But i am not the only one, watching the game on Christmas day, I was stunned to see the Gardern almost completely sold out! I had to ask myself, is this really in New York? But it was.

I don't think anyone can argue with me when I say that basketball being back in New York, after a short stint as a joke, is good for the sport. Everyone knows that the Lakers, and Celtics will be there even if they have a few bad years, but their markets are easier to impress than the tough New York crowd. To the rest of the country, watch out, NEW YORK'S BACK BABY!!