A World Wide Sport

Basketball

Origins of the Game

Creation Dec 1891

Springfield, Mass.James Naismith

Wanted an indoor gameHigh level of fitnessKeep students active

on bad days

The Original Court

James NaismithInvents the gameHelps establish a

college gameCoaches at

University of KansasPupils of Naismith

carry the game forwardAdolp Rupp

U of Kentucky Ranked 5th for

most wins

The First Game• YMCA Gym• Albany, NY• Jan 20, 1892

• 9 players

• 1895• 5 players became

the standard

Improvements to the Game1906

1st metal baskets used

Backboards institutedDue to interference

from the crowd

Evolution of the Game

Evolution of the Game1895

Well established in Women’s High Schools

18981st professional

leagueLasted 5 years

1st college teamPittsburgh Geneva

College

1900YMCA discourages

play due to roughness of playClubs, colleges and

professionals fill void

Pre-1917AAU and IAA

Forerunner’s of NCAAFight for control over

rules

The College Game

College Game1st game

Feb 9, 1895Hamline University

vs. School of Ag (U of Minnesota)School of Ag won

1901Colleges start to

sponsor games

National Tournaments1937

First Mens National Championship tournament establishedNAIA

1938NIT

1st tournament for NCAA NIT big until 1950’s

Corruption and scandal

1939NCAA Tourament

Established

March Madness