20 Basketball Facts You Might Not Know
Table of Contents
Basketball Facts You Might Not Know
Invention Date: Basketball was invented in December 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, a physical education instructor from Canada.
Original Basketball: The first "basketballs" were actually soccer balls.
Peachy Hoop: The original basketball hoop was a peach basket, and the ball had to be manually retrieved after each score.
First Game: The first official game of basketball was played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets in Springfield, Massachusetts.
No Dribbling: Originally, players weren't allowed to dribble the ball, only passing was allowed.
Women's Debut: The first women's basketball game was played in 1892, just a year after the sport was invented.
NBA's Start: The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded on June 6, 1946, as the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
Tallest and Shortest: The tallest player in NBA history is Gheorghe Mureșan at 7'7", while the shortest is Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues at 5'3".
Rarest Triple-Double: The rarest form of a triple-double in basketball is when a player records 10 or more points, rebounds, and blocks.
100-Point Game: Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single game in 1962, a record that still stands today.
Logo Inspiration: The NBA logo features the silhouette of Jerry West, a Laker legend.
Air Jordan: Michael Jordan was fined $5,000 for every game he wore his iconic Air Jordan shoes because they violated NBA color rules.
Longest Game: The longest NBA game ever played lasted 6 overtimes. It was in 1951 between the Indianapolis Olympians and the Rochester Royals.
Unique Court: The Boston Celtics' court floor is made of red oak hardwood, unlike most NBA courts which are made of maple.
3-Point Line: The 3-point line was introduced to the NBA in 1979, changing game strategies forever.
Free Throw Ritual: Many players have unique free throw rituals. For instance, Karl Malone would silently say a prayer before every shot.
Broken Backboards: Darryl Dawkins was famous for shattering backboards with his dunks, leading the NBA to introduce breakaway rims.
Oldest Rookie: The oldest NBA rookie was Pablo Prigioni at age 35, who made his debut in 2012.
Color Barrier: Earl Lloyd was the first African American to play in an NBA game in 1950.
Ring Count: Bill Russell holds the record for the most NBA championships won by a player, with 11 titles during his 13-year career.
Basketball has a rich history filled with surprising facts and figures. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, there's always something new to learn about this beloved sport!
