Did you know that basketball is the third most popular sport in the world? Even though historically it is fairly new to the sports scene, people still love playing and watching basketball. And it’s poised to overtake baseball in the USA and rank as one of the most beloved sports of all time.
Are you interested in learning more about basketball? If so, now is the perfect time to expand your knowledge about the subject. Start by checking out these four top facts about basketball.
Table of Contents
1. Basketball Was Invented by a Canadian
One of the most interesting basketball facts is that it was invented in 1891 by a Canadian named James Naismith. While teaching at the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, he was requested to come up with an indoor game for his rowdy pupils during the harsh winter. After combining a soft soccer ball with a pair of peach baskets, “Basket Ball” was born.
2. The NBA Was Founded in 1949
It’s hard to imagine a time before the NBA existed, but it was only founded in 1949. It grew out of the Basketball Association of America (BAA) which was started three years earlier. In 1949 the BAA changed its name to the NBA.
3. The Sacramento Kings Are the Oldest Franchise
The honor of being the longest continuously operating franchise in the NBA goes to the Sacramento Kings. Founded in 1923, they were first known as the Rochester Seagrams, then the Rochester Royals, before switching to the Sacramento Kings. Despite being the oldest team in the NBA, they have only ever won one championship.
4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Is the Highest Scoring Player
There’s a lot of debate about who is the best basketball player of all time. And while that might be up to interpretation, there’s no denying that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has scored the most points ever. After logging 38,387 points throughout his career in basketball, he is currently the reigning champion.
Bonus Facts About Basketball
Did you know the original basketball game was a little more complicated than our modern version? Because they used peach baskets instead of hoops, a referee had to remove the ball each time a team scored.
Basketball News
Are you interested in finding out more about basketball? One of the best ways to discover more about this exciting sport is to read basketball news. Learn more about famous basketball players and the teams that make up the NBA and find out more interesting stats about basketball online.
Learn More About Basketball
Now that you’ve read these fun facts about basketball, you can do a deep dive into the subject and learn more if you like. And don’t just stop there–try to go see a basketball game live. If you really want to experience it, you can also hit the courts and try playing basketball yourself!
Did you like reading this article about basketball? Want to check out similar topics? Then head over to the Sports section on this site. Did you like reading this article about basketball? Want to check out similar topics? Then head over to the Sports section on this site.
