History of Basketball

Basketball was born

Dec 1, 1891

Dr. James B. Naismith a canadian sports figure,an instructor at the School for Christian Workers, and inventor, invented the game of basketball at the YMCA in Springfield, Mass. A janitor provided peach baskets instead of the requested boxes. Then basketball was spelled basket ball.

History of Basketball

Period: Dec 1, 1891 to Jan 10, 2003

1st public basketball game

Mar 11, 1892

Students and workers at the School for Christian Workers play the first public game of basket ball.

First Women`s Basketball Game

Mar 22, 1893

Smith College in Massachusetts becomes the first women's school to play basket ball. Men are not allowed to watch the games.

First professional Basketball Game

Nov 7, 1896

The first known professional basketball game is played in Trenton, New Jersey.

The spelling of basket ball becomes basketball.

Oct 7, 1921

First College Doubleheader

Dec 29, 1934

The first college basketball doubleheader is played at Madison Square Garden in front of over 16,000 fans.

Basketball becomes an official Olympic sport.

Aug 1, 1936

Basketball becomes an official Olympic sport. The United States defeats Canada 19-8 for the gold medal. The games were played in Berlin, Germany.

First Televised Game

Feb 28, 1940

The first televised basketball games were played between Pittsburgh and Fordham (57-37) and New York University and Georgetown (50-27) at Madison Square Garden.

The Basketball Association of America (BAA) is founded.

Jun 6, 1946

The NBA introduces the 24-second clock. As a result the pace of the game quickens.

Oct 30, 1954

NBA adopts a 3 point line

Oct 7, 1979

The NBA expands to 30 teams.

Jan 10, 2003

The NBA Agrees to Expand to Charlotte once again. bringing the number of teams to 30.