The popular sport of basketball was invented in 1891 by a college graduate student from Springfield College named James Naismith, studying physical education. At the age of 31, his boss instructed him to make a sport that would keep his students active during the long and frigid winters in Massachusetts. Gulick challenged Naismith and said

“I want you to take that class and see what you can do with it.” He was given only 14 days and told to make it “fair for all.”

Naismith used a peach basket as the hoop and nailed it on the wall. Every time someone would shoot he would grab a ladder and fetch the ball again. The modern-day basketball had not been invented yet so they used the next best thing, a soccer ball! Later basketball modernized into the sport we love and care so much about.

The 3-point line was not a thing when James Naismith mentioned the sport to his professor. the 24-second shot clock was not a thing we would have to wait until 1961 when the American Basketball League added it to their league.

It was not until 1936 when in organized basketball the dunk was showcased! and fans were shocked. But get this, IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!!  28 years later the ¨DUNK¨ was banned because tall centers would abuse the rule by dunking the ball over smaller guards  (ex. Wilt Chamberlain)

THREE FUN BASKETBALL FACTS

#1 YOU WERE NOT ALLOWED TO DRIBBLE

#2 WAS FIRST PLAYED ON DECEMBER 21ST 1891 (THAT IS 131 YEARS AGO

#3 PLAYED IN THE 1904 AND 1924 SUMMER OLYMPICS