【正确答案】 1、years of adversity。    

【答案解析】根据题干所述可在原文第二段最后一句找出本题的解答：I played basketball alongside famous players，and the team I now coach，the New York Knicks，has recovered from years of adversity to become a major contender in the l980s．本题要填的为：years of adversity。