Ep 2. There's No Place Like Home (Maura Mandt & Josh Swade)

In the second episode of season 2 of ESPN's acclaimed documentary series 30 For 30, titled "There's No Place Like Home," filmmakers Maura Mandt and Josh Swade explore the fascinating story of a lost piece of sports memorabilia that has captivated the basketball world for decades.

The item in question is the original "rules of basketball," handwritten by the sport's creator, James Naismith, in 1891. For years, the document had been in the possession of a Kansas family who had a direct connection to Naismith, but in the early 2010s, it was put up for auction by a New York-based auction house.

This sparked a frenzy among basketball fans and collectors alike, with many hoping to acquire this historic piece of basketball history. But the Kansas family was determined to get it back in their possession, believing that it belonged in Lawrence, Kansas, where Naismith had lived and taught for many years.

Enter James Naismith's grandson, Ian, who had learned of the auction and was equally dismayed that the rules were potentially leaving their rightful home. With the help of a group of dedicated Kansas Jayhawks fans, Ian launched a campaign to raise the necessary funds to purchase the document and bring it back to Kansas.

But this was easier said than done. The auction for the rules was quickly escalating into a bidding war, with wealthy collectors and basketball institutions all vying for the prize. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Ian and his team refused to give up, launching a creative and ambitious marketing campaign to spread the word and rally support for their cause.

As the auction drew to a close and the tension mounted, it became clear that the fight for the rules of basketball had become much more than just a battle over a piece of sports memorabilia. It was a fight for the soul and identity of a proud basketball community, a chance to honor the legacy of James Naismith and cement his place in basketball history.

"There's No Place Like Home" expertly captures this journey, offering an intimate and emotional look at the people who fought for the rules and the deeper significance it held for them. Along the way, the film also explores the history of basketball and Naismith's role in developing the sport, shedding light on the fascinating origins of one of the most beloved games in the world.

Filled with gripping drama, heartwarming moments, and a powerful message about the importance of preserving our sports history, "There's No Place Like Home" is a must-watch for any basketball fan or sports enthusiast.