Games of Deception by Andrew Maraniss

The story of the 1936 Berlin Olympics presents a unique opportunity to learn about the past through the lens of sports. Andrew Maraniss’ focus on the very first US Olympic basketball team does just that. Games of Deception is not only an enjoyable read, but a powerful tool to educate and inform readers, as well as provide for an anchor of meaningful discussion between generations.

The evolution of the sport of basketball is always something that amazes me. Any true fan who has a genuine appreciation of the game should seek out resources to learn about the history of basketball. Not only does it provide you with an understanding of the richness of the game’s past on a variety of levels- personal achievements, evolving game play, societal connections- but it also contributes to an appreciation of the game in the context of the present day. It’s easy to fall into the trap of the “fallacy of foregone conclusions,” and think that the sport of basketball was always destined to be the global phenomenon that it is today. But the game that has very humble beginnings, has grown and changed over the generations.  It has been profoundly interconnected with the human element through out its existence- for better, and for worse.

Games of Deception takes you through the journey of how the amateur basketball players of this still very young game made it to the Olympic team. The players on the very first US Olympic team were assembled in a much different way than today’s Olympic basketball teams. That contrast would provide young readers with some very thought provoking insights; especially taking into consideration that modern young fans are so conditioned to Olympic basketball teams made up of NBA All Stars, that the term “Dream Team” is no longer a common or necessary moniker.

The context of this story is really what makes it so fascinating. The 1936 Olympics are often times referred to as the Nazi Olympics. I could see Games of Deception used as required reading for a class on pre World War II Nazi Germany.  In fact, I could see this book going well with The Boys in the Boat, Unbroken, and also In the Garden of Beasts. A college or high school level elective that incorporated that reading list could be a great opportunity for students.

But readers who may not be in school would also find great value in checking out Games of Deception. It’s always humbling to me when I come across a book on a topic I feel I have a pretty good handle on- in this case either the World War II Era or basketball history- and learn things that are completely new to me. For example- I never knew that Dr. James Naismith actually attended the Berlin Olympic games in person!

It is also obvious that Andrew Marannis put a tremendous amount of time and energy into the research and publication of this book. As a reader, you feel like you are in good hands as he guides you through the experience. It is truly a job well done.

Andrew mentions his engagement with school aged kids as a speaker, and how kids seemed to be drawn to the story of Dr. Naismith and the origins of basketball. As a teacher and a dad, I also agree with his contention. In fact, I found myself bringing up pieces of the story to my 13 year old, basketball playing, son in conversation. I thought, How powerful is that- to teach my son about the evil Nazi regime without coming across as a lecturer, but to actually engage him through a theme that he is comfortable with- the sport of basketball.

For History and Hoops fans alike, Games of Deception by Andrew Marannis needs to be on your reading list!

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