Basketball Facts - article by Good English Article Sites

The Rise of Basketball

Did you know that the game of Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr James Naismith? If you did not know this basketball fact, then you probably are not aware that it was not until 1936 when the game of basketball became an official Olympic event. The two basketball leagues, the National Basketball League and the Basketball Association of America would then merge in 1949 to become what is today the National Basketball Association. Interesting basketball facts makes you wonder how the game was played. For example, the first games were played using a soccer ball. The first hoops had a bottom, like peach baskets and the referee would have to climb to climb on a ladder and get the ball once a player ‘scored a goal’. That was in the year 1891.

The first inter-collegiate match took place in 1895 between Minnesota State School of Agriculture and the Porkers of Hamline College with Minnesota State School defeating the Porkers. Some interesting basketball facts also include pioneer moments of the 20th century game as we know it. For example, the first Men’s College Basketball Championship was held in 1939 with the University of Oregon beating Ohio State Forty Six against Thirty Three. Another unforgettable moment in the history of basketball was the first televised college games in 1940. Basketball facts are not complete without a mention of the highest rated college basketball game that was seen on U.S. television in the 1979 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship game with Michigan State going against Indiana State and that starred magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

The original 13 rules that Naismith came up for the game of basketball still remain and are form some of the basketball facts that will remain as long as the game is played. A legendary player that made the game even more famous is Michael Jordan. He scored more points than any other player in the playoffs and continues to be an inspiration to not only basketball players but also to many people in their different careers and paths. It just goes that basketball knows no limits.

From the humble beginnings of basketball as a game to distract rowdy youths through the New England winter, the game has become an absolutely incredible sport. It is a game that is fun to play, fun to coach and fun to watch and this is one of the basketball facts that will forever make it what it is – outstanding.

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