The Interesting History of Basketball

The origin of basketball can be traced back to December 1891, when James Naismith introduced the game to a YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. The clergyman/ physician/ educator came up with the game after Dr. Luther H. Gulick requested him to develop a game good enough for indoor winter play. 

The original ball used was a soccer ball, and each team had nine players. Instead of the nets we are accustomed to; the goals were made up of wooden peach baskets attached to the wall. Six years later, the sport spread like wildfire, and each team had five players on the court instead of nine. The game would reach more people during the Second World War when the service members spread it to other nations.

Colleges Join in on the Fun

U.S. colleges introduced the games between 1893 and 1895, but it was in 1934 that the first significant college games took place in Madison Square Garden. This was the start of something new, and by the 1950s, basketball was a major college sport. 

Formation of the NBA

Interestingly, despite the slow adaptation in college, the National Basketball League was created in 1898 and was made to shield players from exploitation. Additionally, the league was meant to foster a less physical game. Unfortunately, the league only stuck around for five years, and its disbandment led to the creation of various offshoot minor leagues. Out of this period, the Original Celtics became one of the best pro teams, and their dominance lasted from 1915 to around 1936. These guys ran the show while playing 150 games each season, making us wonder what they ate back then. The crowd's favorite Harlem Globetrotters wouldn't come into the picture until 1927, and their legacy lives on to date.

1949 saw the biggest merger in basketball history as the National Basketball League and the Basketball Association of America joined forces to create the NBA. Some of the early legends of the game include Bill Russel, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabar. These guys dominated their eras so much they are probably responsible for most of the play styles today.

A New Era for Basketball

The 70s were challenging for the league as their popularity dipped a bit. This was a significant blow considering they had gotten used to millions of fans coming through for each game. Luckily, interest was resurgent after some legendary players hit the court. This is the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson era that brought a new style of play and energy. These players had such a fierce rivalry it lasted for a decade, and fans still talk about their games like they happened yesterday.

The Hall of Fame

You might be wondering when the Basketball Hall of Fame was created. Well, worry no more, as this iconic part of the game was founded in 1959 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has been used to appreciate and recognize the efforts of some of the greatest players in the sport. In addition, this privilege has been extended to coaches and staff members who have contributed significantly to the game's development. 

All Thanks to the NBA

The popularity of basketball can be credited to the formation of the NBA, which piqued international interest. It wasn't long before more countries followed suit and started their national leagues. By the start of the new millennium, basketball had taken a life of its own and become something dreams are made of. It's no longer an unsteady structure but a billion-dollar industry teeming with all forms of talent. Endorsement deals are rife, and players are more protected than ever.

Additionally, the league is not limited to one tier and gender, making more people invest their time and funds in the game. The best thing about basketball right now is you can catch a game in the palm of your hand. Additionally, solo domination is a thing of the past as it's getting more difficult to pinpoint which team will carry the title. Individual players still shine, but it's now more of a team sport. Finally, even the most minor team in the league has international fans and coverage.