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The Strange But True History of Basketball
by Carlos Lintons
http://www.fsubasketball.com
Dr. James Naismith. Probably the name means nothing to you.
Perhaps it would have meant even less had this Canadian not
found himself a home in the Unites States. For it was this
man, way back in 1881, that invented the game of
basketball. Indeed, many people wonder if the sport would
be so popular in the US had he not been living in
Massachusetts at the time he invented it.
Naismith worked at the University of McGill in Montreal for
several years as the athletics director before heading to
Massachusetts to the YMCA Training School. It was here that
Naismith was looking for a game that students would be able
to play inside during the winter months. The first game of
basketball was played with a soccer ball and two peach
baskets. A broom stick was used to push the ball back out of
the basket initially, but holes were cut in the bottom of
the basket to resemble the familiar hoop and net we see on
television and in gymnasiums today.
YMCA played a key role in popularising the game in USA and
the whole world as well. The game is played throughout the
world, but nowhere is it as popular as it is in North
America.
The game of Basketball continued to gain popularity and it
was showcased in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. And today the
National Basketball League is one of the most popular sports
events. Prior to the formation of NBA the controlling body
for the game of basketball in America was the Basketball
Association of America. Today the NBA players boast some of
the highest salaries in the professional sports.
The first basket ball players to have been paid can be
traced back to 7th November, 1896 for the game played
between the Trenton Basketball Team and the Brooklyn YMCA.
Eventually Basketball broke away from the YMCA and moved
into the National Basketball League.
Some of the most famous players have been Michael Jordan,
Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O'Neal. Besides basketball
they are headliners in tabloids, movies and sometimes even
music. These talented players make great role models for
inner city youth. Many of the kids embrace the sport of
basketball and play it in their neighborhoods.
Every year the NBA finals are one of the most widely viewed
sporting events in the United States. Audiences really get
into the spirit and root for their favorite players and
teams. Michael (Air) Jordan was one of the first players to
be known for his product endorsements. Air Jordan jerseys,
shirts, hats, shorts, and especially the shoes were coveted
by many.
Today basket ball is one of the most popular games in the US
and the NBA is a multi-million dollar association that earns
revenue from ticket sales, televised games, and of course
the equally popular merchandise. It is perhaps the favorite
pass time and extra curricular activity with many children.
Dr James Naismith must never have thought that his simple
game with a ball and two peach baskets would become such a
mega success.
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