BASKETBALL
The History of Basketball
The History of Basektball
Basketball is a sport that was created by a man named Dr. James Naismith from Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891. Naismith had to create a game that students at a YMCA training school could play indoors. The first game of basketball was played with a soccer ball and a peach basket.
The 1st Basketball Created
The first basketball was created in 1894, three years after the game was created.
- The first official ball was created by the company Spalding & Bros.
- The company made a leather ball held together with laces
- The first ball circumference was 32 in.
- Weighed fewer than 20 oz.
When College Basketball & The 1st Pro. Basketball League was Formed
Basketball was created for students at a YMCA training school. Then colleges began playing the game. The first college basketball game was played on january 18, 1896 (University of Iowa vs. University of Chicago). In the year 1898 the 1st pro. basketball league was formed.
NBA
- The NBA was founded on June 6, 1946.
- NBA stands for National Basketball Association
- Founded in New York City, NY
- Today there are 30 teams in the NBA
Basketballs Impact On Society
At one point in time African-Americans were not permitted to play in the NBA. In the year 1950 that changed. African-Americans played the game of basketball with a different style that included creative ball handling, great jumping ability, speed, and agility. Today over 70% of African-Americans play basketball professionally. The first African-American NBA player was Earl Lloyd.
Earl Lloyd
Earl Lloyd
- (April 3,1928 - February 26, 2015)
- Age: 86
- 1st African-American NBA player