A Brief History of Seattle High School Basketball

10/1/202559:18

Since the 1890s, high school basketball in Seattle has reflected a variety of cultural and social trends while also creating an environment of excellence and achievement. Over recent decades a disproportionate amount of local talent has gone on to play in college and professionally, with the Seattle area producing more than 30 National Basketball Association draft picks (including three players chosen in the first round of the 2022 draft, featuring number one overall selection Paolo Banchero), although its metropolitan area is only 15th in population among U.S. cities. In addition to this, 10% of NBA head coaches in the 2025-26 season are Seattle high school basketball alumni.

What has led to this remarkable growth? Is the Metro League the best high school league in America? The mixture of local history and sociopolitical discourse have combined to provide a unique view of our region through the lens of basketball. In his book, "Emerald Street: A History of Hip Hop in Seattle," professor, writer, and historian Daudi Abe explores this rich history with journalist Marcus Harrison Green.

Speakers:
Dr. Daudi Abe, Professor, Author and Historian
Marcus Harrison Green, Journalist

Presented by KVRU 105.7 FM and King County 4Culture; Videographer: Jeff Scott Shaw

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