Get ready to dive into the captivating history of the American Basketball Association (ABA) with 'Soul Power', a must-watch documentary on Prime Video. This four-part series is a celebration of the league's vibrant past, showcasing its unique brand of basketball and the diverse personalities that made it legendary.
The ABA, with its 50th anniversary approaching, revolutionized professional basketball. It was a league that embraced innovation, talent, and a distinct style that set it apart from the NBA. Former ABA player and Knick, Tom Hoover, sums it up perfectly: "It was a great league, a fun league. It rivaled the NBA and gave players an incredible platform."
Director Kenan Kamwana Holley assembled a young and energetic team to bring this story to life. "I wanted that fresh perspective," Holley explains. "The ABA's legacy needed to be told through a new lens."
And what a legacy it is! The ABA gave us some of the NBA's greatest stars, including the legendary Julius 'Doctor J' Erving, Coach George Karl, Connie 'The Hawk' Hawkins, and Spencer Haywood. It was a league that broke barriers, allowing players like Haywood and Ralph Simpson to enter the NBA early, a move that was unheard of at the time.
But here's where it gets controversial... The ABA's embrace of cultural expression, particularly the iconic afros, set it apart from the NBA. As baseball Hall of Famer Bob Costas, who began his broadcasting career with the ABA's Spirits of St. Louis, points out, "The ABA was a league that celebrated Black culture. It encouraged players to express themselves, unlike the NBA which discouraged such expressions."
Dr. J himself, Julius Erving, reminisces about the ABA's unique style: "The afros, the free-flowing game, the flash, and the persistence of the smaller players. The NBA didn't allow many talented players under 6 feet, but the ABA opened those doors."
The ABA had its fair share of characters, from high-flying athletes like Hawkins and Erving, to tough guys like Warren Jabali and John Brisker. It also had its share of controversial owners, like trucking magnate Bill Ringsby of the Denver Rockets, who, as revealed in the series, had racist tendencies.
And let's not forget the mismanagement that led to the dismissal of NBA Hall of Famer George Mikan. The botched attempt to sign Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with a $1 million check never reaching its intended recipient, is a stain on the league's history.
The ABA could have been aptly named the American Traveling Association, given the frequent relocations of its teams. The Brooklyn Nets, for instance, have a complex history, moving from New Jersey to Long Island and back, before finally settling in Brooklyn.
Despite its controversies and challenges, the ABA's impact on basketball is undeniable. Its alumni include basketball greats like George 'Iceman' Gervin, Artis Gilmore, Larry Brown, Roger Brown, Billy Cunningham, Mel Daniels, Dan Issel, Moses Malone, George McGinnis, Charlie Scott, and David Thompson, all of whom are enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
'Soul Power' is a testament to the power of sport to unite, inspire, and transform. It's a story of innovation, talent, and the indomitable spirit of the ABA. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be captivated by this incredible journey through basketball history.
