30 for 30 Shorts Season 2 Episode 6 Mecca

In the 1970s, basketball was still largely a regional sport in America, with the professional leagues drawing interest primarily from the East and Midwest. While basketball had roots in New York City, no team from the area had ever won a national championship. That all changed in 1971, when the City College of New York (CCNY) men's basketball team became the first – and to this day, only – squad to win both the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) and NCAA Tournament in the same year.

But the 1970s were a tumultuous time in America, and New York City was no exception. In October of 1971, a unique opportunity presented itself to both the CCNY team and the sport of basketball as a whole. Saudi Arabia was hosting a tournament in Jeddah, and invited CCNY to represent the United States in a field of international teams. The catch: the tournament would take place during Ramadan, and CCNY players would need to fast during daylight hours in adherence to Islamic custom.

Mecca, the latest entry in ESPN's 30 for 30 Shorts series, explores the story behind CCNY's trip to Saudi Arabia and the unique cultural challenges the team faced on their journey. The film features interviews with CCNY players and coaches, as well as experts on the history of basketball and Islam. Director (and former CCNY player) Joe Siege also incorporates archival footage and photos to bring the story to life.

The trip to Saudi Arabia was a transformative experience for the CCNY players, many of whom had never left New York City before. In addition to the challenges of fasting during competition, the team was also confronted with a vastly different culture. Players had to navigate unfamiliar customs and attitudes towards sports, including the relative lack of interest in basketball in Saudi Arabia at the time.

But the trip was not just a cultural exchange – it was also a moment of historical significance. CCNY's trip to Saudi Arabia came just two years after the 1969-70 basketball scandal, which implicated multiple teams and players in illegal point-shaving schemes. The scandal rocked college basketball and led to significant changes in NCAA regulations.

CCNY, which had been one of the teams implicated in the scandal, was banned from postseason play for the next six seasons. The trip to Saudi Arabia represented a chance for the squad, and the city of New York as a whole, to move past the scandal and showcase the power of basketball to bring people together.

Mecca offers a fascinating look at a pivotal moment in both American basketball and Middle Eastern culture. The film explores themes of religion, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange, and highlights the power of the game to transcend borders and bring people together. Whether you're a basketball fan or simply interested in the intersection of sports and culture, Mecca is a must-watch.