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Basketball was invented
Dr James Naismith, an instructor at the School for Christian Workers in Springfield, Massachusetts, invents basket ball (then two words). -
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History of Basketball
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First Public Game
Students and workers at the School for Christian Workers play the first public game of basket ball. -
Smith College Game
Smith College in Massachusetts becomes the first women's school to play basket ball. Men are not allowed to watch the games. -
Point Change
The field goal value is changed from three points to two points. The free throw value is changed from three points to one point. -
First Pro Game
The first known professional basketball game is played in Trenton, New Jersey. -
First "National Championship"
Columbia University claims the mythical national title by beating Minnesota (27-15) and Wisconsin (21-15) during the regular season. -
One Handed Shot
Hank Luisetti's (Stanford) one-hand set shot becomes the new rage in shooting. Until this point, players used the classic two-hand shot. -
First Televised Pro Game
he 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 First Giants
Bob Kurland (7' tall) enrolls at Oklahoma and George Mikan (6' 10" tall) enrolls at DePaul. These were the first two dominant big men to play basketball. -
BAA Created
The Basketball Association of America (BAA) is founded. Maurice Podoloff is named the league president. The BAA begins play as the New York Knicks take on the Toronto Huskies in Toronto. -
NBA is Formed
Six teams from the NBL join the BAA. the resulting 17 teams form the National Basketball Association (NBA). and name Maurice Podloff as President -
Shot Clock
The NBA introduces the 24-second clock. As a result the pace of the game quickens. -
Hall of Fame
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Opens in Springfield Mass. -
Celtics Dynasty Ends
Bill Russell and the Celtics end their run of 11 rings in 13 seasons. -
Dream Team
The Dream Team begins play in Barcelona Spain. They eventually win the Gold Medal for the USA. -
WNBA is formed
The NBA Agrees to start a Womens Nation Basketball Association (WNBA).
