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The Strange But True History of Basketball

By: Carlos Lintons

Everywhere you turn in the US you will find youths playing basketball. so universal is it that you could be forgiven for thinking that its origins must be steeped in history. Yet, unlike most balls sports, it did not gradually evolved from some ancient roots. In fact, it was a certain Dr. James Naismith who, quite deliberately, invented the game in 1881. And from there it has grown to be one of the most popular sports in the United States. Dr. Naismith was actually born in Canada, and if he hadn't been living in Massachusetts when he created it, it's possible it wouldn't have made such a huge hit.

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.

The game was introduced widely through the YMCA, not only the United States but throughout the world. Millions of people world wide play basketball as a hobby or even professionally. However, no nation has seen as much popularity for basketball as 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.

Since then players such as Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Shaquille O'Neal have made headlines not only in basketball, but in movies, tabloids, and even music. Basketball players also offer great role models for many inner city kids, where basketball is a popular and encouraged past time.

The NBA matches are very popular and are the most watched matches both live and on television. Everybody likes watching and cheering for their favorite basketball teams and star players. Players like Micael Jordan, Magic Johnson enjoyed tremendous popularity and brought a surge of demand for NBA merchandise. Everyone wanted merchandise like jerseys, shirts, hats, shorts with their stars logo on it.

Today the NBA is a multi-million dollar association that makes money off of ticket sales, televised games, and merchandise. Many children are kept out of trouble by playing basketball not only in school teams, but with their friends as well. Basketball seems to keep growing in popularity, and the trend doesn't show any signs of slowing down. James Naismith probably had no idea the mega-success his simple game with a ball and two peach baskets would become.

Article Source: http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-articles

Carlos Lintons is the chief writer for, and editor of FSU Basketball, there's a wealth of knowledge on the website, plus while you're there sign up for the free newsletter. Read many more interesting articles on Basketball at: www.fsubasketball.com/articles
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