
The Capital of Basketball
A History of DC Area High School Hoops
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $23.39
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Ron Butler
-
Johnny Holliday
-
Andrea Chamblee
-
By:
-
John McNamara
About this listen
The celebration of Washington, DC basketball is long overdue. The DC metro area stands second to none in its contributions to the game. Countless figures who have had a significant impact on the sport over the years have roots in the region, including E. B. Henderson, the first African American certified to teach public school physical education, and Earl Lloyd, the first African American to take the court in an actual NBA game. The city's Spingarn High School produced two players - Elgin Baylor and Dave Bing - recognized among the NBA’s 50 greatest at the league’s 50th anniversary celebration. No other high school in the country can make that claim.
These figures and many others are chronicled in this book, the first-ever comprehensive look at the great high school players, teams, and coaches in the DC metropolitan area. Based on more than 150 interviews, The Capital of Basketball is first and foremost a book about basketball. But in discussing the trends and evolution of the game, McNamara also uncovers the turmoil in the lives of the players and area residents as they dealt with prejudice, educational inequities, politics, and the ways the area has changed through the years.
©2019 Andrea Chamblee (P)2019 Andrea ChambleeListeners also enjoyed...
-
The Boys of Dunbar
- A Story of Love, Hope, and Basketball
- By: Alejandro Danois
- Narrated by: Mirron Willis
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As the crack epidemic swept across inner-city America in the early 1980s, the streets of Baltimore were crime ridden. For poor kids from the housing projects, the future looked bleak. But basketball could provide the quickest ticket out, an opportunity to earn a college scholarship and perhaps even play in the NBA. Dunbar High School had one of the most successful basketball programs, not only in Baltimore but in the entire country, and in the early 1980s, the Dunbar Poets were arguably the best high school team ever.
-
-
the talk of how the players grew up with one another
- By Anonymous User on 10-08-24
By: Alejandro Danois
-
Football for a Buck
- The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL
- By: Jeff Pearlman
- Narrated by: Joel Richards
- Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The United States Football League was the last football league to not merely challenge the mighty NFL but also to cause it to collectively shudder. It spanned three seasons, featured as many as 18 teams, secured multiple television deals, drew millions of fans, and launched the careers of legends - but then it died beneath the weight of a particularly egotistical and bombastic owner, a New York businessman named Donald Trump. Jeff Pearlman draws on more than 400 interviews to unearth all the salty, untold stories of one of the craziest sports entities to have ever captivated America.
-
-
Ahhh the USFL
- By Film Lover on 10-11-18
By: Jeff Pearlman
-
Kevin Durant: The Inspirational Story of a Scoring Superstar
- Kevin Durant: The Legacy
- By: Steve Peyton
- Narrated by: David Hunsdale
- Length: 1 hr and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you a Kevin Durant fan? Do you want to know how he became a superstar? Would you like to emulate his humility and work ethic - and be a champion in your own life? If so, Kevin Durant: The Inspirational Story of a Scoring Superstar: Kevin Durant: The Legacy is the book for you! You’ll discover how Kevin grew up, the influences his parents and grandparents had on his character, and how he became such a fierce and versatile competitor. You’ll follow him through his high school, college, and professional basketball careers.
By: Steve Peyton
-
Stephen Curry
- The Inspirational Story of a Basketball Superstar - Stephen Curry - The Legend
- By: Steve Peyton
- Narrated by: Michael Goodrick
- Length: 1 hr and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Learn the secrets and skills of Stephen Curry! Are you inspired by sports heroes? Do you aspire to the grit and determination of professional athletes? Do you want to learn fascinating details about basketball legend Stephen Curry? If so, Stephen Curry: The Fascinating Story of a Basketball Superstar is the book for you! You’ll learn all about Stephen’s life and rise through the ranks. You’ll be thrilled by his record-breaking performances and motivated by his struggles to surpass injuries and reach new heights! Listen to this book right away!
-
-
What stood out is how successful Stephen Curry and Dell Curry were by just practicing and putting in the work, effort, and time.
- By VLO on 01-05-25
By: Steve Peyton
-
Inseparable
- How Family and Sacrifice Forged a Path to the NFL
- By: Shaquem Griffin, Shaquill Griffin, Mark Schlabach
- Narrated by: James Shippy, Marc Samuel
- Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Inseparable, much more than a sports memoir, Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin share the previously untold details of the powerful and inspiring story behind the modern NFL’s first one-handed player and his twin brother’s unrelenting devotion, sacrifice, and love. It’s the story of Shaquem’s understanding of God’s purpose for his life - to inspire others to stop being afraid and to stop making excuses - and his family’s unwavering support in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
-
-
Inspiring
- By Alex Hostetler on 10-25-19
By: Shaquem Griffin, and others
-
No Excuses
- The Making of a Head Coach
- By: Bob Stoops, Gene Wojciechowski
- Narrated by: Bob Stoops
- Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Stoops's journey from player to struggling graduate assistant to legendary head coach, it becomes clear that his dedication to football is about far more than the sport itself. Big Game Bob, as he is known by adorning Sooners, made a name for himself not only by rebuilding the OU football program and leading the team to multiple conference championships but also by adhering to a strong set of principles at a time when corruption was rampant across the NCAA.
-
-
What a Story!
- By Teacher 4832 on 05-07-20
By: Bob Stoops, and others
-
The Boys of Dunbar
- A Story of Love, Hope, and Basketball
- By: Alejandro Danois
- Narrated by: Mirron Willis
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As the crack epidemic swept across inner-city America in the early 1980s, the streets of Baltimore were crime ridden. For poor kids from the housing projects, the future looked bleak. But basketball could provide the quickest ticket out, an opportunity to earn a college scholarship and perhaps even play in the NBA. Dunbar High School had one of the most successful basketball programs, not only in Baltimore but in the entire country, and in the early 1980s, the Dunbar Poets were arguably the best high school team ever.
-
-
the talk of how the players grew up with one another
- By Anonymous User on 10-08-24
By: Alejandro Danois
-
Football for a Buck
- The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL
- By: Jeff Pearlman
- Narrated by: Joel Richards
- Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The United States Football League was the last football league to not merely challenge the mighty NFL but also to cause it to collectively shudder. It spanned three seasons, featured as many as 18 teams, secured multiple television deals, drew millions of fans, and launched the careers of legends - but then it died beneath the weight of a particularly egotistical and bombastic owner, a New York businessman named Donald Trump. Jeff Pearlman draws on more than 400 interviews to unearth all the salty, untold stories of one of the craziest sports entities to have ever captivated America.
-
-
Ahhh the USFL
- By Film Lover on 10-11-18
By: Jeff Pearlman
-
Kevin Durant: The Inspirational Story of a Scoring Superstar
- Kevin Durant: The Legacy
- By: Steve Peyton
- Narrated by: David Hunsdale
- Length: 1 hr and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you a Kevin Durant fan? Do you want to know how he became a superstar? Would you like to emulate his humility and work ethic - and be a champion in your own life? If so, Kevin Durant: The Inspirational Story of a Scoring Superstar: Kevin Durant: The Legacy is the book for you! You’ll discover how Kevin grew up, the influences his parents and grandparents had on his character, and how he became such a fierce and versatile competitor. You’ll follow him through his high school, college, and professional basketball careers.
By: Steve Peyton
-
Stephen Curry
- The Inspirational Story of a Basketball Superstar - Stephen Curry - The Legend
- By: Steve Peyton
- Narrated by: Michael Goodrick
- Length: 1 hr and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Learn the secrets and skills of Stephen Curry! Are you inspired by sports heroes? Do you aspire to the grit and determination of professional athletes? Do you want to learn fascinating details about basketball legend Stephen Curry? If so, Stephen Curry: The Fascinating Story of a Basketball Superstar is the book for you! You’ll learn all about Stephen’s life and rise through the ranks. You’ll be thrilled by his record-breaking performances and motivated by his struggles to surpass injuries and reach new heights! Listen to this book right away!
-
-
What stood out is how successful Stephen Curry and Dell Curry were by just practicing and putting in the work, effort, and time.
- By VLO on 01-05-25
By: Steve Peyton
-
Inseparable
- How Family and Sacrifice Forged a Path to the NFL
- By: Shaquem Griffin, Shaquill Griffin, Mark Schlabach
- Narrated by: James Shippy, Marc Samuel
- Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Inseparable, much more than a sports memoir, Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin share the previously untold details of the powerful and inspiring story behind the modern NFL’s first one-handed player and his twin brother’s unrelenting devotion, sacrifice, and love. It’s the story of Shaquem’s understanding of God’s purpose for his life - to inspire others to stop being afraid and to stop making excuses - and his family’s unwavering support in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
-
-
Inspiring
- By Alex Hostetler on 10-25-19
By: Shaquem Griffin, and others
-
No Excuses
- The Making of a Head Coach
- By: Bob Stoops, Gene Wojciechowski
- Narrated by: Bob Stoops
- Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Stoops's journey from player to struggling graduate assistant to legendary head coach, it becomes clear that his dedication to football is about far more than the sport itself. Big Game Bob, as he is known by adorning Sooners, made a name for himself not only by rebuilding the OU football program and leading the team to multiple conference championships but also by adhering to a strong set of principles at a time when corruption was rampant across the NCAA.
-
-
What a Story!
- By Teacher 4832 on 05-07-20
By: Bob Stoops, and others
-
The History of NFL Football for Kids
- Basic Knowledge of NFL Football History with Some Fun Facts & Records
- By: William Lawson
- Narrated by: George Pettingell
- Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Don't have a clue about how football works? Don't worry—in this audiobook, you'll learn everything you need to know about the game, from punts to passes. Your kids will love learning about the history and stories that make the game what it is today. Written by a football fan for football fans, you'll find the answers to the most common football-related questions. Who's the greatest quarterback of all time? How does the timing of the game work? You'll discover all this and more...and have a blast while doing it!
-
-
Helped my son
- By Matthew Warren on 06-11-22
By: William Lawson
-
The History of NBA Basketball That Nobody Talks About for Kids
- With Unbelievable Inspiring Stories & Forgotten Stats
- By: William Lawson
- Narrated by: George Pettingell
- Length: 4 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There are few places more exciting than the basketball court. Yet few kids realize just how exciting the whole story of the game really is. More than 210 million people follow the NBA league across its various social media platforms, making it the most popular sports league in the world. So why is it that no one really understands its history? If your kids aspire to be the next LeBron James, they’re already hungry for basketball knowledge.
-
-
educational and interesting
- By Dr. Hu on 07-27-23
By: William Lawson
-
The Back Roads to March
- The Unsung, Unheralded, and Unknown Heroes of a College Basketball Season
- By: John Feinstein
- Narrated by: John Feinstein
- Length: 14 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
John Feinstein has already taken listeners into the inner circles of top college basketball programs in The Legends Club. This time, Feinstein pulls back the curtain on college basketball's lesser-known Cinderella stories - the smaller programs who no one expects to win, who have no chance of attracting the most coveted high school recruits, who rarely send their players on to the NBA. Feinstein follows a handful of players, coaches, and schools who dream, not of winning the NCAA tournament but of making it past their first or second round games.
-
-
A love letter to college basketball
- By Hebern on 01-27-22
By: John Feinstein
-
More Than a Game
- By: Phil Jackson, Charley Rosen
- Narrated by: Phil Jackson, Charley Rosen
- Length: 4 hrs and 36 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Phil Jackson has done it again, led the L.A. Lakers to an NBA championship victory. For him, it's More Than a Game. Also, listen to a recent Fresh Air interview with Jackson.
-
-
More than a game
- By Jose B. on 03-11-04
By: Phil Jackson, and others
-
Son of Bum
- Lessons My Dad Taught Me About Football and Life
- By: Vic Carucci, Wade Phillips
- Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin, Wade Phillips
- Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In his memoir Son of Bum, decorated NFL coach Wade Phillips shows that the roots of his knowledge come from his father, Bum Phillips. A beloved character in NFL history, Bum taught Wade from the beginning that "coaching isn't bitching", as well as how to have perspective on the game during tough times. These are lessons that apply both on the field and off, and Wade has passed this wisdom down to his son, Wes Phillips, an NFL coach himself.
-
-
A Must For Anyone Who Is A Football Fan
- By Amazon Customer on 03-24-20
By: Vic Carucci, and others
-
The Dynasty
- By: Jeff Benedict
- Narrated by: Todd Menesses
- Length: 25 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
How was the Patriots dynasty built? And how did it last for two decades? In The Dynasty, acclaimed journalist Jeff Benedict provides richly reported answers in a sweeping account based on exclusive interviews with more than 200 insiders - including team executives, coaches, players, players’ wives, team doctors, lawyers, and more - as well as never-before-seen recordings, documents, and electronic communications.
-
-
I could not put this down!
- By Mark on 12-29-20
By: Jeff Benedict
-
Playing for Keeps
- Michael Jordan and the World He Made
- By: David Halberstam
- Narrated by: JD Jackson
- Length: 20 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Playing for Keeps, David Halberstam takes the first full measure of Michael Jordan's epic career, one of the great American stories of our time. A narrative of astonishing power and human drama, brimming with revealing anecdotes and penetrating insights, the audiobook chronicles the forces in Jordan's life that have shaped him into history's greatest basketball player and the larger forces that have converged to make him the most famous living human being in the world.
-
-
If You Liked "The Last Dance," You Will Love This
- By John on 06-13-20
By: David Halberstam
-
The Last Great Game
- Duke vs. Kentucky and the 2.1 Seconds That Changed Basketball
- By: Gene Wojciechowski
- Narrated by: Kyle Tait
- Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
March 28, 1992. The final of the NCAA East Regional, Duke vs. Kentucky. Millions could say they witnessed the greatest game and the greatest shot in the history of college basketball. But it wasn't just the final play - an 80-foot inbounds pass with 2.1 seconds left in overtime - that made Duke's 104-103 victory so memorable. Each player and coach arrived at that point with a unique story to tell. In The Last Great Game, ESPN columnist Gene Wojciechowski turns the game we think we remember into a drama filled with suspense, humor, revelations, and reverberations.
-
-
A great book about a great game
- By Hebern on 02-02-21
-
Scotty
- A Hockey Life Like No Other
- By: Ken Dryden
- Narrated by: Ken Dryden
- Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Scotty Bowman is recognized as the best coach in hockey history, and one of the greatest coaches in all of sports. He won more games and more Stanley Cups than anyone else. Despite all the changes in hockey, he coached at the very top for more than four decades, his first Cup win and his last an astonishing thirty-nine years apart. Yet perhaps most uniquely, different from anyone else who has ever lived or ever will again, he has continuously experienced the best of hockey since he was fourteen years old.
-
-
Great Concept and Excellent Execution
- By Dennis E. Pipper on 04-24-20
By: Ken Dryden
-
Chasing the Bear
- How Bear Bryant and Nick Saban Made Alabama the Greatest College Football Program of All Time
- By: Lars Anderson
- Narrated by: Dan Woren
- Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Both Bear Bryant and Nick Saban are undeniable kings of college football, two coaches at Alabama who have each won more national championships - six apiece - than anyone else in the history of the game. Chasing the Bear examines how they did it, revealing along the way their similarities in style, background, football philosophy, and recruiting methods, while providing listeners a rare inside look at two of the greatest leaders in the history of sports.
-
-
Half great half fair
- By jonathan meharg on 09-26-19
By: Lars Anderson
-
Rapture
- Fifteen Teams, Four Countries, One NBA Championship, and How to Find a Way to Win - Damn Near Anywhere
- By: Nick Nurse, Michael Sokolove, Phil Jackson
- Narrated by: Cameron Scoggins
- Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
NBA fans had low expectations for rookie coach Nick Nurse and his Toronto Raptors. But what those naysayers didn't realize was that Nurse had spent the past 30 years proving himself at every level of the game, from youth programs and college ball to the NBA D League and Britain's struggling pro circuit. While few coaches have taken such a circuitous path to pro basketball's promised land, the journey - which began at Kuemper Catholic high school in Carroll, Iowa - forged a coach who proved to be as unshakable as he is personable.
-
-
It’s easy to root for Nick Nurse after hearing his story
- By Amazon Customer on 03-03-23
By: Nick Nurse, and others
-
KD
- Kevin Durant's Relentless Pursuit to Be the Greatest
- By: Marcus Thompson
- Narrated by: David Sadzin
- Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Golden State Warriors insider and best-selling author Marcus Thompson delivers the definitive biography of one of the most extraordinary basketball players in NBA history - Kevin Durant.
-
-
Revealing!
- By Chris D. on 05-21-20
By: Marcus Thompson
What listeners say about The Capital of Basketball
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 12-14-21
Bucket Getters
DMV Basketball is a Religion ,I am proud to be part of the great history.
Excellent story!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- matt m
- 09-24-20
Must read for DMV basketball fans!
Andrea Chamblee and all who were involved in making this book happen really did John McNamara proud. It was every bit as informative and well-thought out as all of John's work. Great read for any basketball and you're guaranteed to learn a lot!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!