Special Guest: Kenan Kamwana Holley

Special Guest: Kenan Kamwana Holley

March 22, 2026 · 41 min · Season 3

About this episode

Kenan Kamwana Holley discusses the transformative history of the ABA and its impact on modern basketball.

Most basketball fans are familiar with the NBA's glitz and glamour, but the legendary stories of the ABA's revolutionary players and the sport's untold history often remain in the shadows. In this episode, two-time Emmy-winning filmmaker Kenan Kamwana Holley, the visionary behind Amazon Prime's acclaimed Soul Power , takes us deep into the wild, innovative era of the ABA, an electrifying chapter that forever changed basketball. You’ll discover how Kenan’s creative process turns complex history into dynamic, vibrant storytelling, highlighting characters like Dr. J, George Gervin, and Spencer Haywood who fought for their legacy and reshaped the game. We break down the secrets behind crafting four gripping episodes, from character-driven drafts to immersive visuals that make history feel fresh and exciting. Kenan shares his innovative approach to storytelling, balancing facts with emotion, showing that the true power of sports documentaries lies in the characters' authenticity and the cultural themes they represent. This episode dives into the transformative themes of athlete empowerment, societal change, and community bonds. From the fierce locker room rivalries to groundbreaking…

More episodes of Basketball Now & Then: The Greatest Comparisons

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Basketball Now & Then: The Greatest Comparisons podcast page.