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Statue of Dr. James Naismith with basket
Basketball has been a part of the American culture
for many years now. It first originated by a man named Dr. James Naismith in the
early 1890s. Instead of a basketball they used a soccer ball, and a basket. The
original basketball game had thirteen rules that was established by Dr.
Naismith. The American culture love seeing their favorite basketball teams on
TV, or at even basketball games in person. Basketball is one of the most
popular sports in the whole world. “The rules were changed a bit since the
beginning as early as 1893, and the basket started disappearing.”[1]
Dr. James Naismith
It started to become an all-time sport over the
years, and many people enjoyed playing it. The game was first played on December
21, 1891. It’s amazing how it all started from a YMCA in Springfield, MA. The
Basketball hall of fame is named after Dr. Naismith. “Dr. Naismith believed
that his players should be able to just play and there wasn’t anything to be
coached.”[2] Basketball has been touching the heart of
many young men, and women since it first began. The first college basketball
game was played on January 18, 1896 between Iowa and Chicago.
First college basketball team
Only nine players were on each team in the first
basketball game, and the salary of players were very low compared to today’s
top paid athletes who earn millions of dollars. “In 1910 President Theodore
Roosevelt urged colleges of America to create a governing body for itself
before it was too late, in the summer of 1910 they did and formed the
Intercollegiate Athletic Association.”[3] There
were small leagues that were established, and there were few Basketball teams
that played against each other. During the Great Depression money was falling
short so they had to suspend the whole league for a few years. To this day
Basketball is still playing a strong role in today’s American Culture, and will
continue to be for many years to come. Many continue to watch it and play it as
a sport that has a meaning to them.
Summary of Dr. James Naismith's life
[1] Hiskey, Daven,
(2012). The Origin of Basketball. Retrieved May 2, 2014, from http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/01/the-origin-of-basketball/
[2] Hiskey, Daven,
(2012). The Origin of Basketball. Retrieved May 2, 2014, from http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/01/the-origin-of-basketball/
[3]Faurschou, Bran.
History of Basketball. Retrieved May 2, 2014, from http://nbahoopsonline.com/Articles/History1.html
