The Golden Age of Kings Basketball with Barry Martin

Author Barry Martin will discuss his book Bob Davies: A Basketball Legend.

Now that basketball season is fast approaching, the California State Library has a special lunchtime author talk that should help you get in the mood! Before the Kings came to Sacramento, they were known as the Rochester Royals.

Bob Davies was a member of the Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) and was one of the NBA’s first stars who played an important role in the development of modern basketball. He introduced the behind-the-back dribble and the fast break. Sports Illustrated named him one of the eight most significant players in the first century of college basketball. The NBA named him one of the ten best players in its first quarter century.

Martin will tell the story of Davies and his incredible impact on the world of college and professional basketball. He will also tell the story of this mostly forgotten NBA team that was often called the most perfect team of its era.

Barry Martin grew up in Webster, New York and watched Bob Davies play with the Royals in Rochester, N.Y. He is now a retired administrative law judge and spent seven years researching the material for his book. He and his wife Carolyn reside in Sacramento.

Feel free to bring your lunch.