Jim Wade: How Bamberg's Basketball Hype Began

Bamberg’s Basketball Passion

For over 20 years, I have dedicated myself to uncovering the story of James "Jim" L. Wade – a basketball legend who left an indelible mark on Bamberg and its people. During the Vietnam War, his talent on the court saved him from the frontlines, allowing him to lead his US Army Warner Barracks team to victory and ignite a city’s passion for the game, later, as leader of the 1. FC Bamberg basketball team. The John F. Kennedy Gym was more than just an arena – it was the birthplace of a cultural fusion, where American spirit and Franconian soul became one. A basketball hype in Bamberg was born, and its fire still burns today. Two decades of research, countless interviews with those who knew him – this story demands to be told. Whether as a biopic, a series, or a documentary, it belongs on the big screen. Because Jim Wade’s legacy is more than just sports – it’s a timeless testament to unity, resilience, and the power of the game.