History of Basketball

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   When Naismith’s first class came in they saw two peach baskets nailed to a ten foot balcony on opposite sides of the room. This made the students curious. Naismith chose two team captains and they chose their teams. Then Naismith explained the game. The first time the game was stopped many times because someone was kicking the ball or walking with it. The first game that was played only had a score of 3to 2. After that first game all of the students enjoyed the game. They could no wait to go to gym class. Everyone enjoyed the game but there was not yet a name for the game. One of Naismith’s students suggested Naismithball but he said no way. Then he thought since you throw the ball into the basket, why not call it Basketball.

Since that time many changes have been made and new rules have been added. When Basketball was first invented women were not allowed to play. Now women are allowed to play the game. At first dribbling the ball was only used for defense. Now dribbling the ball is 90% of the game.

When Basketball became a nationally recognized sport a lot of people liked the game because it was new. In 1921 there was a three game series between the two best teams, New York and Boston. The games had been sold out three months in advance. New York won the first game and Boston the second. Average people were betting thousands of dollars on their favorite team. However the game was called off by the mayor of New York (where the last game was to be played) because of feared riots and fights from the losing city.

A lot of people know about people like Michael Jordan but does anybody know who Abe Saperstein is? Abe Saperstein is the man who started the Harlem Globetrotters. The Harlem Globetrotters are a group of men who do a lot of basketball tricks. They travel to different cities and perform.

If you're really into this sport go to http://www.nba.com/ for more info on basketball. 

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