history of basketball research

• HISTORY & CULTURE

Here's the history of basketball—from peach baskets in Springfield to global phenomenon

The first game used baskets as hoops and turned into a brawl. Soon after, basketball evolved into a pillar of American sports.

The nets used by athletes to dunk the ball and score points in the beloved game of basketball evolved from peaches, or rather the baskets used to collect peaches.

That’s what a young athletic director ultimately used on a cold day back in 1891 for a new game he created to keep his students engaged.  

James Naismith was a 31-year old graduate student teaching physical education at the   International YMCA Training School , now known as Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts when students were forced to stay indoors for days due to a New England storm.   The usual winter athletic activities were marching, calisthenics, and apparatus work but they weren’t nearly as thrilling as football or lacrosse which were played during the warmer seasons.  

Naismith wanted to create a game that would be simple to understand but complex enough to be interesting. The game had to be playable indoors, and it had to accommodate several players at once. The game also needed to provide plenty of exercise for the students, yet without the physicality of football, soccer, or rugby since those would threaten more severe injuries if played in a confined space. ( See 100 years of football in pictures. )

Naismith approached the school janitor, hoping he could find two square boxes to use for goals. When the janitor came back from his search, he had two peach baskets instead. Naismith nailed the peach baskets to the lower rail of the gymnasium balcony, one on each side. The height of that lower balcony rail happened to be 10 feet. The students would play on teams to try to get the ball into their team’s basket.   A person was stationed at each end of the balcony to retrieve the ball from the basket and put it back into play.

The first game ever played between students was a complete brawl.

“The boys began tackling, kicking and punching in the crunches, they ended up in a free for all in the middle of the gym floor before I could pull them apart,” Naismith said during a January 1939 radio program on WOR in New York City called We the People, his only known recording. “One boy was knocked out. Several of them had black eyes and one had a dislocated shoulder.” Naismith said. “After that first match, I was afraid they'd kill each other, but they kept nagging me to let them play again so I made up some more rules.”

For Hungry Minds

The humble beginnings of the only professional sport to originate in the United States laid the foundation for today’s multi-billion-dollar business. The current National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) March Madness college basketball tournament includes the best 68 of more than 1,000 college teams, stadiums that seat tens of thousands of spectators and lucrative television contracts.

Original rules of the game

Naismith didn’t create all of the rules at once, but continued to modify them into what are now known as the original 13 rules . Some are still part of the modern game today.   Naismith’s original rules of the game sold at auction in 2010 for $4.3 million.

In the original rules: The ball could be thrown in any direction with one or both hands, never a fist.   A player could not run with the ball but had to throw it from the spot where it was caught. Players were not allowed to push, trip or strike their opponents. The first infringement was considered a foul. A second foul would disqualify a player until the next goal was made. But if there was evidence that a player intended to injure an opponent, the player would be disqualified for the whole game.

Umpires served as judges for the game, made note of fouls and had the power to disqualify players. They decided when the ball was in bounds, to which side it belonged, and managed the time. Umpires decided when a goal had been made and kept track of the goals.

If a team made three consecutive fouls, the opposing team would be allowed a goal.

A goal was made when the ball was thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stayed there. If the ball rested on the edges, and the opponent moved the basket, it would count as a goal. When the ball went out of bounds, it was thrown into the field of play by the person first touching it. The person throwing the ball was allowed five seconds; if he held it longer, the ball would go to the opponent. In case of a dispute, an umpire would throw the ball straight into the field. If any side persisted in delaying the game, the umpire would call a foul on that side.

The length of a game was two 15-minute halves, with five minutes' rest between.   The team making the most goals within the allotted time was declared the winner. If a game was tied, it could be continued until another goal was made.

First public games

The first public game of basketball was played in a YMCA gymnasium and was recorded by the Springfield Republican on March 12th, 1892. The instructors played against the students. Around 200 spectators attended to discover this new sport they had never heard of or seen before. In the story published by the Republican, the teachers were credited with “agility” but the student’s “science” is what led them to defeat the teachers 5-1.

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Within weeks the sport’s popularity grew rapidly. Students attending other schools introduced the game at their own YMCAs. The original rules were printed in a college magazine, which was mailed to YMCAs across the country. With the colleges’ well-represented international student body the sport also was introduced to many foreign nations. High schools began to introduce the new game, and by 1905, basketball was officially recognized as a permanent winter sport.

The first intercollegiate basketball game between two schools is disputed, according to the NCAA. In 1893, two school newspaper articles were published chronicling separate recordings of collegiate basketball games facing an opposing college team.

In 1892, less than a year after Naismith created the sport, Smith College gymnastics instructor Senda Berenson, introduced the game to women’s athletics. The first recorded intercollegiate game between women took place between Stanford University and University of California at Berkeley in 1896.

With the sport’s growth in popularity, it gained notice from the International Olympic Committee and was introduced at the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis as a demonstration event. It wasn’t until 1936 that basketball was recognized as a medal event. Women’s basketball wasn’t included as an Olympic medal event until the 1976 Montreal games. ( Wheelchair basketball in Cambodia changed these women's lives. )

As the sport continued its rapid spread, professional leagues began to form across the United States. Basketball fans cheered on their new hometown teams. The first professional league was the National Basketball League (NBL) formed in 1898, comprised of six teams in the northeast. The league only lasted about five years. After it dissolved in 1904, the league would be reintroduced 33 years later in 1937 with an entirely new support system, with Goodyear, Firestone, and General Electric corporations as the league owners, and 13 teams.

While professional sports leagues gained nationwide attention, college basketball was also a major fixture. The first NCAA tournament, which included eight teams, was held in 1939 at Northwestern University.   The first collegiate basketball national champion was the University of Oregon. The team defeated Ohio State University.

Like most of the United States in the early to mid 1900s, basketball was segregated. The sport wouldn’t be integrated until 1950 when Chuck Cooper was drafted by the Boston Celtics. Prior to Cooper being drafted there were groups of black teams across the country, commonly known as “the black fives”, which referred to the five starting players on a basketball team.   All-black teams were often referred to as colored quints or Negro cagers.   The teams flourished in New York City, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago, and in other cities with substantial African American populations. They were amateur, semi-professional, and professional.

Of the more than 1,000 collegiate basketball teams across all divisions of the NCAA, 68 teams play in the annual March Madness tournament. The best college teams from each conference around the country compete for a place in the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four and, ultimately,   the national championship. Though basketball might not be played the same way as it was when Naismith invented it—peach baskets have been replaced with nets, metal hoops and plexiglass blackboards—its evolution proves that the game has transcended a century.

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Basketball History: Timeline & How it started

March 16, 2024

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Dive into Basketball History, a captivating journey that uncovers the origins and growth of a truly iconic sport.

Discover its inventor, key moments, and what makes basketball popular today!

Ready, set, shoot!

📹   Video

Table of Contents

Basketball History Summary

1960s-1970s, 2000s-present, who invented basketball, how did basketball become so popular, where did basketball originate.

• ⏳ Origins and Evolution: Basketball was invented in the United States by Dr. James Naismith in 1891. Initially designed as an indoor winter activity, the game’s simple rules and thrilling action rapidly gained popularity, leading to widespread adoption in schools and clubs.
• 🚀 Rise to Prominence: The formation of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1949 and the integration of top-tier talent took the sport to new heights. Pivotal moments, legendary teams, and unforgettable rivalries propelled basketball into the global spotlight.
• 🥇   Noteworthy Growth and Adaptation: Over the years, basketball experienced international expansion, technological advancements, and adaptability to various challenges. The NBA’s commitment to player development, fan engagement, and social impact solidified its position as a major force in global sports.

Basketball History Timeline

Dr. James Naismith, a physical education instructor in Springfield, Massachusetts, sought an indoor activity for his students during the winter season. In December 1891, he invented basketball by hanging two peach baskets at opposite ends of a gymnasium and drafting 13 simple rules. The first game was played by his students, forming the basis for modern basketball.

Naismith’s new sport spread quickly throughout American schools, churches, and YMCA recreational centers, fostering its enduring popularity.

Basketball debuted as an Olympic sport at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. Eighteen countries participated in the event, with the United States securing the gold medal after defeating Canada. James Naismith was present at the Olympics, witnessing the global recognition and growth of his invention.

During the same year, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) was established, becoming the governing body for the sport worldwide.

The Basketball Association of America (BAA) was founded in June 1946, with 11 teams from major U.S. cities participating. The league’s first game took place on November 1, 1946, featuring the New York Knicks against the Toronto Huskies.

In August 1949, the BAA and the National Basketball League (NBL) merged, forming the National Basketball Association (NBA), leading to the consolidation and professionalization of the sport.

In the 1950s, the NBA integrated its teams, breaking racial barriers. African American players like Chuck Cooper, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, and Earl Lloyd made history, paving the way for future generations of diverse talent.

During this era, dominant players like George Mikan and Bill Russell rose to prominence, and the Boston Celtics emerged as a powerhouse, winning multiple championships and constructing a lasting sports dynasty.

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed the rise of legendary players like Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Julius “Dr. J” Erving. These athletes captivated fans with their skill, charisma, and high-scoring games.

In 1976, the NBA merged with the American Basketball Association (ABA), acquiring four new teams and expanding its reach. This period also saw the introduction of the three-point line, a game-changing development that diversified offensive strategies.

The 1980s brought iconic players like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan to the forefront. The decade was marked by intense rivalries, particularly between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, which fueled fan interest and excitement.

This era also saw the widespread adoption of cable television, which contributed to the NBA’s booming popularity and global reach.

The 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, featured the United States’ “Dream Team,” comprising NBA stars like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. The team dominated the competition, winning all eight games and capturing the gold medal.

The “Dream Team” symbolized basketball’s global influence and inspired future generations of international players to pursue careers in the NBA.

The 21st century has seen the continued growth and globalization of the NBA, with numerous international players like Yao Ming, Dirk Nowitzki, and Giannis Antetokounmpo making significant impacts. Additionally, the Women’s National Basketball Association ( WNBA ) has provided opportunities for female athletes to showcase their talents and passion for the game.

Modern basketball is characterized by advanced analytics, unprecedented player versatility, and a focus on long-range shooting. The NBA continues to evolve, promoting social issues and engaging fans via digital platforms, securing its status as a major player in global sports.

Discover the legends who shaped the game in our article on the best basketball players of all time .

Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical educator, in December 1891 to keep his students active during the cold winter.

Basketball’s popularity soared globally because of star players’ influence, televised games, and the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) worldwide marketing efforts.

Basketball originated in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the United States, where Dr. James Naismith first developed and introduced the game.

Test how well you’ve retained what you’ve learned about the sport’s evolution with our basketball quiz .

Meet Rev, one of our dedicated team members who embodies the essence of sports passion. When he’s not immersed in the world of sports content creation, Rev is busy honing his skills in esports and exploring the great outdoors through activities like hiking and basketball.

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How did basketball develop

Unlike other major sports, the origins of basketball are not very ancient and most historians agree that the sport was founded in 1891 by James Naismith. However, its development was at times complex and was able to thrive as other major sports enthralled audiences in the United States and later the world.

Early History

With the invention of basketball in 1891, a new game that was very different than its contemporaries formed. The specific founding of basketball are precisely known because James Naismith (Figure 1), who worked as a instructor at a YMCA, was given the task of creating an indoor game. This was seen as a way to keep children out of trouble and entertained during the winter months. Initially, Naismith tried to create versions of American football or soccer as indoor sports. However, all of these proved too violent, as they also caused damage to property in confined spaces. Within two weeks of Naismith's task, the first basketball rules were created. Although done in haste, six of the original thirteen rules Naismith created are still with us. This includes not using your fist, shoulder, and not being allowed to run with the ball. The first "nets" were, in fact, two peach baskets attached at either end of the court.

The first ball was a soccer ball, with the first court being in Springfield College's YMCA in Springfield Massachusetts. The first baskets were 10 feet high, something that has been retained, but the ball could not go through the basket and after each score the ball had to be retrieved. The name "basket ball" developed when one of the children playing the new game referred to the game as such after seeing it. [1]

Very quickly, in January 20, 1892, the first official game, with 18 players, using Naismith's rules was played, with the final score 1-0. The first games were simply about keeping the ball away from the opposing team and it took some time for the concept of offense to develop. By 1898, a professional league was already being founded, called the National Basketball League, although it did not prove to have long-term success, as it was abandoned within 6 years. In the next decade during the 1900s, the basketball net developed to be more like the modern one, with a net and backboard developed. The ball was replaced with a new type that is of more similar dimensions to those used today. [2]

Why Did Basketball Thrive?

As basketball was founded by the YMCA, which is a Christian institution, the spread of the game coincided also with missionary and medical activities undertaken. Soon, the YMCA used basketball as part of its work abroad and within North America. This helped to popularize not only the YMCA but also the game itself. [3]

Similar to American football, colleges became key places for spreading basketball (Figure 2). With long winter months in many parts of the United States, people increasingly sought recreation during this time. Colleges developed indoor gymnasiums that soon became taken over with basketball courts, spreading the popularity of the game. This soon led to the organization of college basketball teams. New rules, including dribbling and concept of fouling out of games, developed. By the end of the 1910s, most of the rules that are with us today had developed in the college game. However, what did not develop were professional teams, as the early professional teams had to fold. [4]

Similar to baseball, however, it was war and the rapidly changing economy that developed that helped to shape how basketball spread. In the 1910s and going into World War I, the spread of soldiers to different parts of the country and world brought basketball to new places. In fact, the first official international games occurred as a result of World War I, as the allies created teams that competed in the so-called Inter-Allied Games. Domestically, basketball continued to spread in colleges in the 1920s and 1930s, even as the professional leagues had still not developed. Disorganization and the Great Depression likely prevented basketball from becoming professional during this time. By 1938 and 1939, the development of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament developed, which are still present. The University of Oregon was the NCAA's first winner with a score of 46-33 against Ohio State. [5]

In 1937 and 1946, the National Basketball League (NBL) and Basketball Association of America (BAA) were created respectively. While the NBL eventually had to fold, some of its teams and the BAA merged into what became the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1949. [6]

The Modern Era

Like many other sports, the combination of superstars, radio, and then television helped to spread the popularity of the game and make the game modern with new stadiums purposely build for basketball. The first true superstar was George Mikan, who was six feet and ten inches tall. His height forced changes to the game, mainly the 3-second lane being widened as his large height made the sport less competitive for opposing teams as he simply dominated underneath the basket with his height. By 1950, the basketball color barrier, which was far less formidable than that in baseball, was broken by Chuck Cooper who played for the Boston Celtics. By the late 1940s, slam dunks were becoming part of the game. [7]

The college game continued to thrive and it was the college game that continued to be ahead of the pros, with TV rights signed in the 1950s that helped to increase the games popularity. Meanwhile, the professional leagues popularity stalled, as rules regulating time wasting and fouling were not developed in the NBA. This led to the game becoming much slower and less interesting for viewers. In 1954, Danny Biasone introduced the 24 second shot clock and foul limits that then revitalized the professional game. It now became a much faster sport, with higher scoring, where by 1958 average scoring topped the 100 mark, gaining more popularity. Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russel joining the professional game by the late 1950s helped to make the professional game popular. While Bill Russel helped found the Celtic dynasty of 1957-1969, Chamberlain is best remembered for his high scoring and being the first player to score 100 points in a game. Chamberlain's dominance led to the center lane being widened. The 1950s and 1960s were the first decades when television broadcasted games.

In 1967, the American Basketball Association (ABA) emerged as a threat to the NBA. It did have some major stars to its name because it began to actively recruit in college campuses. The NBA, meanwhile, developed its iconic logo that debuted in 1971. The ABA and NBA competed throughout the early 1970s. This was a period where the NBA grew from 9 to 18 teams, mostly because of the competition with the ABA forced the NBA to aggressively expand. By 1976, however, the ABA and NBA merged. Another period of declining interest started in the late 1970s. This time the introduction of the three-point shot (in 1979) and arrival of major stars that became international phenomena revitalized the game. The first two were Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, who famously battled in the 1984 finals. With the arrival of Michael Jordan in 1984, the game's popularity surged to new heights and helped develop what many think of basketball today, as his style of play and commercialization of many aspects of the game became major draws for investors and fans alike. [8]

Global Phenomenon

Although early in its history basketball had already spread globally, with the Olympics adopting basketball by 1936, the modern era's popularity is attributed to both TV and players. Stars such as Michael Jordan were at times more popular than national heroes in foreign countries. Slow motion replay, no doubt, helped those worldwide watch how Michael Jordan would effortlessly glide or slam dunk in a seemingly impossible move. The popularity of Michael Jordan awakened many firms in marketing basketball and the NBA promoting itself. The realization of how marketable Jordan was and the introduction of professional athletes to the Olympics in 1992 (so-called Dream Team) was part of the NBA strategy to expand its brand. This spread basketball's popularity, where it rivals football (or soccer) in many places. By 2014, the NBA itself had become international, with more than 100 players being foreign born. In 1992, only 23 players were foreign born. [9] This shows that the history of basketball will be one shaped by many nationalities despite the sports distinct American heritage.

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• ↑ For information on the invention of the game by Naismith, see: Rains, R. (2011) OCLC: 829926672. James naismith: the man who invented basketball. Place of publication not identified, Temple University Press.
• ↑ For more on the early games of basketball, see: Bjarkman, P.C. (2000) The biographical history of basketball: more than 500 portraits of the most significant on-and off-court personalities of the game’s past and present. Lincolnwood, Ill, Masters Press.
• ↑ For more on the early spread of basketball, see: Naismith, J. (1996) Basketball: its origin and development. Bison Books ed. Lincoln, University of Nebraska Press.
• ↑ For an early history on college basketball, see: Anon (2009) OCLC: 472605763. Summitt: a pictorial retrospective of college basketball’s greatest coach. Battle Ground, WA, Pediment Pub.
• ↑ For a post-war history of basketball, see: Mark Dyreson & J. A. Mangan (eds.) (2007) OCLC: ocm63397310. Sport and American society: exceptionalism, insularity, and ‘imperialism’. Sport in the global society. London ; New York, Routledge, pg. 46.
• ↑ For an early history of professional basketball, see: Nelson, M.R. (2009) OCLC: 431502825. The National Basketball League: a history, 1935-1949. [Online]. Jefferson, N.C., McFarland & Co. Available from: http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=1593750 [Accessed: 10 August 2016].
• ↑ For a history of the NBA and its rules, see: Surdam, D.G. (2012) The rise of the National Basketball Association. Urbana, University of Illinois Press.
• ↑ For history on the ABA and NBA, see: Pluto, T. (2007) OCLC: 153578380. Loose balls: the short, wild life of the American Basketball Association. New York, Simon & Schuster Paperbacks.
• ↑ For more on the internationalization of basketball, see: Markovits, A.S. & Rensmann, L. (2010) OCLC: 650308562. Gaming the world: how sports are reshaping global politics and culture. [Online]. Princeton, Princeton University Press, pg. 89.
• This page was last edited on 2 October 2021, at 21:43.
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From the Streets to the NBA: The Fascinating History of Basketball

Basketball is more than just a game. It’s a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. From the streets of urban America to the bright lights of the NBA, basketball has a rich and fascinating history that spans more than a century. The game has undergone countless changes and evolutions over the years, from its early days as a simple pastime to its current status as a global sensation. But no matter how much it has changed, basketball has always remained true to its roots as a game of skill, athleticism, and passion. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of basketball, from its humble beginnings on the streets to its rise as one of the most popular sports in the world. So grab your ball and lace up your sneakers, because we’re about to take a journey through the fascinating world of basketball.

The Origins of Basketball

The history of basketball can be traced back to the late 1800s when a young Canadian physical education instructor named James Naismith was tasked with creating a new game that could be played indoors during the winter months. Naismith’s solution was to create a game that involved throwing a ball into a basket, and he hung the first baskets on the balconies of the gymnasium where he worked. The first game of basketball was played on December 21, 1891, with nine players on each team and a soccer ball as the playing ball.

Over the next few years, basketball began to gain popularity in the United States, particularly in colleges and universities. The first intercollegiate basketball game was played in 1895 between Hamline University and the University of Minnesota, and by the turn of the century, the game had spread to high schools and YMCAs across the country. As the game grew in popularity, rules were standardized and refined, and the familiar orange ball was introduced in 1950.

The Early Years of Basketball

In its early years, basketball was primarily played by amateurs and college athletes. The first professional basketball league, the National Basketball League (NBL), was formed in 1937 and consisted of 13 teams. However, the league struggled financially and was eventually absorbed by the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1949. The BAA would later become the NBA, which is now the most prestigious professional basketball league in the world.

During the early years of basketball, the game was dominated by white players. However, this began to change in the 1940s and 1950s, as African American players began to break into the professional ranks. One of the most notable early African American players was Earl Lloyd, who became the first black player to play in an NBA game in 1950.

The Growth of Basketball in the United States

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, basketball continued to grow in popularity in the United States, particularly among young people. The game was played in high schools and colleges across the country, and the NBA began to attract large crowds to its games. The 1960s also saw the emergence of some of the game’s greatest players, including Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West.

One of the key factors in the growth of basketball during this time was the development of television. The first nationally televised NBA game was broadcast in 1953, and by the 1970s, nearly every NBA game was broadcast on television. This exposure helped to make basketball more accessible to fans across the country and helped to cement the NBA’s status as the premier professional basketball league in the world.

The Rise of Professional Basketball

In the 1970s, the NBA began to experience a period of rapid growth and expansion. The league added several new teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and began to attract more and more fans to its games. The 1970s also saw the emergence of some of the game’s most iconic players, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, and Magic Johnson.

One of the key developments during this time was the introduction of the three-point shot. The three-point shot was first introduced in the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1967 and was later adopted by the NBA in 1979. The introduction of the three-point shot helped to open up the game and make it more exciting for fans and also helped to create new opportunities for players who excelled at shooting from long range.

The Rise of Basketball Superstars

The 1980s saw the rise of some of the most iconic basketball players of all time, including Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson. These players helped to popularize the game even further and helped to establish basketball as a major cultural force in the United States and around the world.

Jordan, in particular, became a cultural icon during this time, thanks to his incredible skill and athleticism on the court, as well as his charismatic personality off the court. He helped to elevate the game of basketball to new heights and remains one of the most beloved and influential athletes of all time.

The Global Expansion of Basketball

The 1990s saw the NBA extend its influence beyond the borders of the United States, thanks in large part to the success of the “Dream Team” at the 1992 Olympics. The Dream Team, which featured some of the greatest basketball players of all time, including Jordan, Bird, and Johnson, dominated the competition and helped to popularize basketball around the world.

In the years that followed, the NBA continued to expand its international reach, with players from all over the world joining the league and bringing their own unique styles of play to the game. Today, the NBA is truly a global league, with fans and players from all over the world.

The Modern Era of Basketball

The modern era of basketball is often defined by the dominance of Michael Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s. Jordan’s incredible skill and athleticism helped to elevate the game to new heights and helped to establish basketball as one of the most popular sports in the world.

Today, the NBA is more popular than ever, with fans tuning in from all over the world to watch their favorite teams and players compete. The game has continued to evolve and change over the years, with new rules, technologies, and playing styles constantly emerging.

Basketball in the 21st Century

In the 21st century, basketball has continued to grow and evolve, with new players and teams emerging to challenge the status quo. The game has become more global than ever, with players from all over the world joining the NBA and bringing their own unique styles of play to the game.

One of the key developments in recent years has been the rise of analytics in basketball. Teams and players are using advanced statistics and data analysis to gain a competitive edge, and this has led to new strategies and playing styles emerging on the court.

The Future of Basketball

As we look to the future, it’s clear that basketball will continue to evolve and change in exciting new ways. New technologies, playing styles, and rule changes will emerge, and new stars will rise to dominate the game.

But no matter how much the game changes, one thing will always remain the same: basketball is a game of skill, athleticism, and passion, and it will continue to capture the hearts and minds of people all over the world for generations to come.

Basketball has a rich and fascinating history that spans more than a century. From its humble beginnings on the streets to its rise as one of the most popular sports in the world, basketball has undergone countless changes and evolutions over the years. But no matter how much it has changed, basketball has always remained true to its roots as a game of skill, athleticism, and passion. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the game will continue to evolve and change in exciting new ways, but one thing will always remain the same: basketball is more than just a game, it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world.

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Basketball: Culture and Society

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Basketball is a team sport with the primary objective of scoring points by putting the ball inside the basket and preventing the opposing team from doing the same. Since its creation in the USA in 1891, basketball has evolved to become one of the world’s most popular and widely viewed sports. Basketball ...

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Where Basketball was Invented: The History of Basketball

The birthplace of basketball.

Basketball is built into the fabric of Springfield College. The game was invented by Springfield College instructor and graduate student James Naismith in 1891, and has grown into the worldwide athletic phenomenon we know it to be today.

Springfield College students continue to be innovators and leaders in their fields. Learn how you can join the prestigious alumni network by exploring our academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, offered both in-person and online.

We welcome you to our "Where Basketball is Invented" webpages, celebrating Dr. James Naismith's connection to Springfield College as a graduate student and instructor who invented the game here in Springfield, Massachusetts as part of his work with the College. 

The story of how Naismith invented the game through a charge by Luther Gulick (then the College's physical education superintendent) to come up with a new indoor activity that could be played by college students during the long New England winters is well known. What isn't often told is that he created the game in our Springfield College Humanics philosophy - educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others. He would later recall that it was his commitment to the Springfield College philosophy of serving others that inspired him to create this great game - a game that soon spread beyond our campus, throughout New England, and around the world, impacting the lives of hundreds of millions across all ages. 

Springfield College continues today to inspire leaders to change the world. In addition to these pages, I hope you also explore our Springfield College website  to learn about other inspiring leaders from Springfield College's past, present, and future. Perhaps you will also see how you may benefit from a Springfield College education, as well. 

A visit our Springfield College museum which, through exhibits, displays, and artifacts, highlight's Dr. Naismth's and our other world leaders' impact on the world, is a great way to learn more and to experience why we are so proud of Dr. Naismith and all our alumni.

Mary-Beth Cooper President, Springfield College

Where Basketball Originated

It was the winter of 1891-1892. Inside a gymnasium at Springfield College (then known as the International YMCA Training School), located in Springfield, Mass., was a group of restless college students. The young men had to be there; they were required to participate in indoor activities to burn off the energy that had been building up since their football season ended. The gymnasium class offered them activities such as marching, calisthenics, and apparatus work, but these were pale substitutes for the more exciting games of football and lacrosse they played in warmer seasons.

James Naismith, The Person Who Invented Basketball

The instructor of this class was James Naismith, a 31-year-old graduate student. After graduating from Presbyterian College in Montreal with a theology degree, Naismith embraced his love of athletics and headed to Springfield to study physical education—at that time, a relatively new and unknown academic discipline—under Luther Halsey Gulick, superintendent of physical education at the College and today renowned as the father of physical education and recreation in the United States.

As Naismith, a second-year graduate student who had been named to the teaching faculty, looked at his class, his mind flashed to the summer session of 1891, when Gulick introduced a new course in the psychology of play. In class discussions, Gulick had stressed the need for a new indoor game, one “that would be interesting, easy to learn, and easy to play in the winter and by artificial light.” No one in the class had followed up on Gulick’s challenge to invent such a game. But now, faced with the end of the fall sports season and students dreading the mandatory and dull required gymnasium work, Naismith had a new motivation.

Two instructors had already tried and failed to devise activities that would interest the young men. The faculty had met to discuss what was becoming a persistent problem with the class’s unbridled energy and disinterest in required work.

During the meeting, Naismith later wrote that he had expressed his opinion that “the trouble is not with the men, but with the system that we are using.” He felt that the kind of work needed to motivate and inspire the young men he faced “should be of a recreative nature, something that would appeal to their play instincts.”

Before the end of the faculty meeting, Gulick placed the problem squarely in Naismith’s lap.

“Naismith,” he said. “I want you to take that class and see what you can do with it.”

So Naismith went to work. His charge was to create a game that was easy to assimilate, yet complex enough to be interesting. It had to be playable indoors or on any kind of ground, and by a large number of players all at once. It should provide plenty of exercise, yet without the roughness of football, soccer, or rugby since those would threaten bruises and broken bones if played in a confined space.

Much time and thought went into this new creation. It became an adaptation of many games of its time, including American rugby (passing), English rugby (the jump ball), lacrosse (use of a goal), soccer (the shape and size of the ball), and something called duck on a rock, a game Naismith had played with his childhood friends in Bennie’s Corners, Ontario. Duck on a rock used a ball and a goal that could not be rushed. The goal could not be slammed through, thus necessitating “a goal with a horizontal opening high enough so that the ball would have to be tossed into it, rather than being thrown.”

Naismith approached the school janitor, hoping he could find two, 18-inch square boxes to use as goals. The janitor came back with two peach baskets instead. Naismith then nailed them to the lower rail of the gymnasium balcony, one at each end. The height of that lower balcony rail happened to be ten feet. A man was stationed at each end of the balcony to pick the ball from the basket and put it back into play. It wasn’t until a few years later that the bottoms of those peach baskets were cut to let the ball fall loose.

Naismith then drew up the 13 original rules, which described, among other facets, the method of moving the ball and what constituted a foul. A referee was appointed. The game would be divided into two, 15-minute halves with a five-minute resting period in between. Naismith’s secretary typed up the rules and tacked them on the bulletin board. A short time later, the gym class met, and the teams were chosen with three centers, three forwards, and three guards per side. Two of the centers met at mid-court, Naismith tossed the ball, and the game of “basket ball” was born.

The Year Basketball was Invented

Word of the new game spread like wildfire. It was an instant success. A few weeks after the game was invented, students introduced the game at their own YMCAs. The rules were printed in a College magazine, which was mailed to YMCAs around the country. Because of the College’s well-represented international student body, the game of basketball was introduced to many foreign nations in a relatively short period of time. High schools and colleges began to introduce the new game, and by 1905, basketball was officially recognized as a permanent winter sport.

The rules have been tinkered with, but by-and-large, the game of “basket ball” has not changed drastically since Naismith’s original list of “Thirteen Rules” was tacked up on a bulletin board at Springfield College.

Where was Basketball Invented?

There’s been some confusion over the precise nature of the official relationship between Springfield College and the YMCA, as it relates to James Naismith and the invention of basketball.

The confusion stems in part from changes in the School’s name in its early history. Originally the School for Christian Workers, the School early in its history had three other names which included “YMCA”: the YMCA Training School, the International YMCA Training School, and, later still, the International YMCA College. The College didn’t officially adopt the name “Springfield College” until 1954, even though it had been known informally as “Springfield College” for many years.

But by whatever name, since its founding in 1885 Springfield College has always been a private and independent institution. The College has enjoyed a long and productive collaboration with the YMCA, but has never had any formal organizational ties to the YMCA movement.

The confusion has been compounded by a small sign on the corner of the building where basketball was invented. The building stood at the corner of State and Sherman streets in Springfield, Massachusetts. The sign, carrying the words “Armory Hill Young Men’s Christian Association,” is visible in old photographs of the building that have circulated online. This has led some to believe, erroneously, that the Armory Hill YMCA owned the building, and that James Naismith was an employee of the YMCA.

However, in 2010, some historic YMCA documents and Springfield College documents from the period were rediscovered. These documents prove conclusively that the gymnasium in which Naismith invented basketball was located not in a YMCA but in a building owned and operated by the School for Christian Workers, from which today’s Springfield College originated. The building also included classrooms, dormitory rooms, and faculty and staff offices for the institution. The Armory Hill YMCA rented space in the building for its activities, and used the small sign to attract paying customers.

James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, was an instructor in physical education at the College. It was Luther Halsey Gulick, Naismith’s supervisor and the College’s first physical education director, who challenged Naismith to invent a new indoor game for the School’s students to play during the long New England winter. There is currently no evidence to suggest that either man ever worked for the Armory Hill YMCA, per se.

So now you know the true story of James Naismith and the invention of basketball.

Naismith Audio

Springfield College alumnus James Naismith invented basketball on campus as a graduate student of the College in 1891. Hear him tell the story  here .

This is the only known audio recording of basketball inventor and Springfield College alumnus James Naismith describing the first organized game of basketball, played at Springfield College. The audio was unveiled by Michael J. Zogry, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Kansas. 

Read the full article

Check out these great resources.

Materials on James Naismith Materials on the History of Basketball

Original 13 Rules of Basketball

• The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
• The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands (never with the fist).
• A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it, allowance to be made for a man who catches the ball when running at a good speed if he tries to stop.
• The ball must be held in or between the hands; the arms or body must not be used for holding it.
• No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping, or striking in any way the person of an opponent shall be allowed; the first infringement of this rule by any player shall count as a foul, the second shall disqualify him until the next goal is made, or, if there was evident intent to injure the person, for the whole of the game, no substitute allowed.
• A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violation of Rules 3, 4, and such as described in Rule 5.
• If either side makes three consecutive fouls, it shall count for a goal for the opponents (consecutive means without the opponents in the mean time making a foul).
• A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stays there, providing those defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edges, and the opponent moves the basket, it shall count as a goal.
• When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field of play by the person first touching it. In case of a dispute, the umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The thrower-in is allowed five seconds; if he holds it longer, it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on that side.
• The umpire shall be judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have been made. He shall have power to disqualify men according to Rule 5.
• The referee shall be judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, to which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made, and keep account of the goals with any duties that are usually performed by a referee.
• The time shall be two 15-minute halves, with five minutes' rest between.
• The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winner. In case of a draw, the game may, by agreement of the captains, be continued until another goal is made.
• The original rules of basket ball were written by Springfield College graduate instructor James Naismith in December 1891 and published in January 1892 in the Springfield College school magazine, The Triangle.

Other Notable Procedures

• Teams consist of nine players per side – three forwards, three centers, and three backs.
• Play begins with a jump ball between two center players.
• Game was played with a soccer ball.
• Players wore black, full-sleeve woolen jerseys and long gray trousers.

Springfield College , 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109-3739 (413) 748-3000        Copyright © 2024 Springfield College. All rights reserved.

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A Brief History of Basketball

A much loved sport. .

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in America, almost on par with the NFL. However, basketball has one thing that the NFL doesn’t. While the NFL is something that only America has, basketball is a sport that has its claws in the whole world. 

It is a popular sport, for watching the games, betting on basketball , and even getting involved in fan activities such as fantasy basketball. 

No matter how much we love it, and how much it brightens up our lives, it is so rare that we actually know the origins of the sport and where it all began. Today we will take you on a journey to understand the history of basketball and how it got to where it is today. 

The origins of basketball. 

Basketball began in 1891, it was invented by James Naismith , as being a less injury-prone sport than football. He was a 31-year-old graduate student when he created the sport, keeping players indoors during the winter. 

The game became established quite quickly, and it grew very popular into the 20th century. It first became popular in America and then branched out to get more popularity in other corners of the world. 

As the game became established in colleges first, the professional game, what we now know as the NBL, soon followed. The NBA then became established in 1946, and grew into a multibillion-dollar enterprise before the end of the 20th century, and as a result the sport became an important part of American culture.

The invention of basketball. 

The game of basketball was invented by James Naismith in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, to condition athletes during the colder months. Naismith was a prior physical education instructor at YMCA International Training School, which is now Springfield College. 

At the request of his superior, he was tasked with creating an indoor sport that would help athletes to stay in shape during the cold weather. It originally consisted of peach baskets and a soccer-type ball. He made 13 rules for his game and divided his class of 18 students into two teams of nine players, and started teaching them the basics. 

The objective of his creation was to throw the basketball into the fruit baskets that were nailed to the lower railing of the gym’s balcony. Each time a point would be scored, the game had to be paused so that the janitor could get the ladder to retrieve the ball. After some time, they finally removed the bottoms of the fruit baskets, having to retrieve the ball after each score was far from practical.

The original rules. 

The game had 13 original rules created by Naismith. 

• The ball could be thrown in any direction with one hand or both hands. 
• The ball could also be battled in any direction by one hand or with both hands. 
• Players could not run with the ball, and they must throw it from the spot on which it is caught. Although there were loopholes around when a player is running at a good speed when they catch it. 
• The ball had to be held in the hands, arms or body could not be used to hold the ball. 
• No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping or striking opponents allowed. The first infringement of this rule counts as a foul, and the second disqualifies the player until the next goal, or if it is evident that there was no intent to cause harm. 
• A foul is striking the ball with the fist.
• If either side makes three consecutive fouls, then this is counted as a goal for opponents.
• A goal is made when the ball is thrown or battled from the ground and into the basket and stays there. If the ball rests on the edge, and if opponents move the basket, this also counts as a goal. 
• Should the ball go out of bounds, then it shall be thrown into the field and played by the first person to touch it. The person who throws it in is allowed five seconds to do so, if they hold it any longer it goes to the opponent. 
• Umpires shall be the judge of men and will note fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have been made.
• The referee judges the ball and decides when the ball is in play, in-bounds and to which side it belongs. They also keep the time and divide when a goal has been made and keep account of these. 
• The time is fifteen-minute halves, with a five-minute rest between. 
• The side making the most goals in the time aforementioned will be the winner. In the case of a draw, the game may be continued until another goal is made. 

The formation of the FIBA. 

In the first decades of this sport, it was growing, but it didn’t really have any real international organization. It required several petitions by basketball supporters for it to be included as an Olympic demonstration in 1904. 

However, this all changed in 1932 when the FIBA came into being. The work of the FIBA on the international game helped it to become an Olympic sport in 1936, which was then won by the US National Team. 

The inventor- Naismith- lived long enough to get to see the sport he created become a recognized Olympic sport, 45 years after its invention.

How basketball took the world by storm. 

Basketball got introduced to the rest of the world thanks to the US Army and the YMCA. Then in 1893, the first ever international basketball match was organized, and members of the took the game to India, Persia, China, and Japan. 

By 1900, a majority of major colleges were fielding a team, and in 1905 formal collegiate rules were introduced for basketball, and in 1909, the NCAA took over the game for cool. The very first NCAA DI tournament was held in 1939. 

The sport rapidly grew within its inventors’ lifetime, and now, we don’t know what we would do without it.

If you enjoyed this article check out these links for further reading

10 NBA Players Who Never Won A Ring But Should Have

6 Interesting Facts About the NBA

10 Best NBA Defensive Players Of All Time

The history of basketball: from humble beginnings to global phenomenon

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Challenging established theory: History of Japanese basketball

Basketball was introduced to Japan as early as 1902 as a sport in mission schools, according to new research by Dr Tetsuji Kakiyama, Professor of Sports and Health Sciences of Fukuoka University , Japan. His research overthrows established theories about the transfer of the game to Japan and shows how basketball was first played by girls in Japan who were taught the sport by American women missionaries.

The beginning of Japanese basketball is shrouded in mystery. New research reveals that the sport was first played by girls in Japan as early as 1902. This finding challenges the existing theory that basketball was first introduced to the Tokyo YMCA from the International YMCA Training School. The early sport equipment differed slightly from today’s version, but American women missionaries who introduced it to Japanese mission schools included it in their syllabuses and field days; the evidence for this, however, has only recently come to light, demonstrating that basketball was first played by girls in Japan.

The Japanese were deeply involved in the birth and development of basketball. On 21 December 1891, at the first basketball game at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, Genzaburo Ishikawa, a student from Japan, was one of the players. A competent artist , he sketched the first game; his sketch was published in the 15 January 1892 issue of the YMCA’s official newspaper, The Triangle , along with an introduction to basketball, and spread throughout the US. However, after attending the University of Wisconsin, Ishikawa became active in the world of international business and did not introduce basketball to Japan.

Established theories

Until recently, it was believed that Japanese basketball was introduced in 1908 by Hyozo Omori, then director of the PE department of Tokyo YMCA. He went on to be an athletics director of Japan’s first Olympic Games, the 1912 Stockholm Games. Sadly, he was to die six months later, in 1913, of pulmonary tuberculosis, and it fell to Mr FH Brown to popularise the sport from 1914 onwards. This theory now has to be challenged. The founder of basketball is Dr James Naismith, who records in his book on the subject that it was known as an important part of the programme for Japanese women as early as 1900 (Hancock, 1904).

Through recent research, Professor Tetsuji Kakiyama of Fukuoka University, Japan, has unearthed that Japanese girls played basketball as early as 1902, as part of school PE field days. His intriguing ongoing research shows how women’s basketball preceded the men’s sport by six years, and was promoted in girl’s mission schools by women missionaries from the US.

Challenges and new information

Kakiyama’s investigation began when he noticed an early basketball hoop in the background of a 1902 photograph of girls in the schoolyard of Kwassui Girl’s School in Nagasaki. This was curious, however, as it was very different from modern hoops. It was by visiting the Archives Centre of Springfield College and looking at the original Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) official rules that he noted how equipment specifications have changed over time. In 1896, the basket was supplemented with a wire mesh screen behind the basket. It was this wire mesh that was pictured in the 1902 photograph, the flat backboard was only introduced in 1904. Until the twentieth century, girls’ PE in Japan consisted of breaktime walks in traditional clothing and sandals. This changed with the arrival of American women missionaries and the training of Japanese female PE teachers.

Mission schools

The Aoyama Girl’s School was founded in 1895. Harriet Alling was their gymnastics teacher, appointed in 1897. A Japanese PE teacher was hired in January 1904. The school archives have nine references to basketball prior to 1907, indicating that it was established much earlier than the previous belief about the transfer of basketball to Japan.

Did Harriet Alling teach basketball? It is likely that she had learned the sport in the US before arriving in Japan, but tracing the connections is tricky. Alling had been at the University of Chicago at the same time as Amos A Stagg (one of basketball’s founders). As the sport had just been invented, he may have brought the game with him, in his role as PE teacher: from Springfield to Japan. Although it is well-established that Stagg introduced basketball to the University of Chicago, Kakiyama seeks to understand the connection between Stagg and Ms Alling. A letter dated 10 March 1892 from Stagg to his sister says: ‘I think the game could easily be adapted to girls.’

Mariana Young (1864–1932) arrived in Japan in 1898, and would go on to become the principle of Nagasaki Kwassui Girl’s School in 1900. She had previously worked as a High School teacher of Latin, and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University. Ms Young promoted PE, involving English language instructions given in time to music, with the girls wearing westernised clothing. A variety of equipment was used, including wooden circles, sticks, and dumbbells in addition to the new basketball hoop. The school also hired Japanese women who were trained as PE teachers, and Mariana Young trained Japanese students as PE teachers.

Finding a connection linking introduction of basketball to Young is more challenging. Her history includes teaching at Allegheny College between 1894 and 1896, and a role as a teaching assistant at Huling’s Hall. She could have learned basketball from Howard G Budge at Alleghey College, who was appointed as their PE instructor in 1895, and who himself studied basketball at the Oil City YMCA. Another possibility is that Mariana Young could have learnt the sport at Huling’s Hall.

Both schools were to introduce basketball with the earliest games in 1902. The first reference is in the minutes of the First Session of South Japan Women’s Mission Conference, which took place in 1899. The American Missionary of the Nagasaki Kwassui Girl’s School expressed the hope that the girls would be able to enjoy basketball within the year; but in the second session (1900) it was noted that the basketball equipment had not yet come. It was in the third session, 1901, that there is a grateful note for the delivery of a basketball. In the November 1904 edition of Kwassui Quarterly, there is a reference to basketballs alongside footballs and baseballs. These overthrow established theories about the introduction of the sport to Japan.

The Aoyama Girl’s School archive includes an English language ‘Tidings from Japan’ published by missionaries referencing both tennis and basketball games at a Field Day in November 1902. In their Japanese language records, the Alumni Association Bulletin records basketball being played during field days in 1903 and 1905, and includes a photo of a game in 1907.

Japanese women had been training in US-inspired sports since the turn of the twentieth century. In September 1899, Akuri Inokuchi, a Japanese lady, enrolled in the Smith College and Boston Normal School of Gymnastics in the US. Smith College was the birthplace of women’s basketball, and Inokuchi spent a year studying with Senda Berenson, the creator of women’s basketball. She returned to Japan in 1903 as the first Japanese female PE teacher, just as basketball was being introduced by Mariana Young, Inokuchi was deeply involved in introducing and popularising the sport.

Overthrowing established theory

Tracking down the origins of this sport has been a ten-year quest for Kakiyama. In 2013 he was awarded a multi-year grant in aid for scientific research. Since then, the grant has involved nearly 5,000,000 yen, and an additional grant from the Society for the History of Physical Education. Kakiyama has travelled to Mariana Young’s alma mater, Ohio Wesleyan University, to check their archives as well as Springfield College, Massachusetts in 2013 to view the original AAU rules. He has presented his findings at Quatar University ISHPES Congress in 2014; at the 20th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science in Malmo, Sweden, in 2015, and at NASSH in 2022.

The early photographs, which show basketball hoops different from modern styles, are blurry. Likewise, the minutes, letters, and bulletins which reference the sport are hard to read. It is only by zooming in and looking closely, as well as by understanding how the sport was originally played at that time, that Kakiyama has established that the sport was introduced in girl’s schools six years prior to the original understanding of the foundation of Japanese basketball.

The transfer of basketball to Japan at the very beginning of the twentieth century challenges existing theory. The early pioneers of the game promoted women’s basketball as early as 1902. Basketball was first played by girls in Japan, and transferred through American women missionaries at the turn of the century, working in mission schools.

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• university of new orleans
• campus news
• president kathy johnson graces the cover of the spring 2024 issue

CAMPUS NEWS: MAY 14, 2024

Silver and blue 2024, president kathy johnson graces the cover of the spring 2024 issue of silver & blue.

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The spring 2024 issue of Silver & Blue magazine is now available.

The spring 2024 edition of Silver & Blue magazine is headed to your mailbox and is available around campus. The magazine offers alumni, students and friends of the University of New Orleans an exciting snapshot of the institution and its impactful work on campus and beyond.

Our cover story features University of New Orleans President Kathy Johnson, the eighth president and the first woman to helm UNO in its 66-year history. Read about her journey as a first-generation college student and why she has a passion for collaborative work. Here is a hint—she’s fond of the servant-leader model of guidance.  

This issue includes a feature on alumna Ellen Lee who knows first-hand the importance of second chances and has created a scholarship to help returning UNO students with the opportunity for academic success. Read about alumna Rebekah Lewis and her passion for primatology that has led her to work at the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary and meet UNO student Alvin Webre, one of the oldest fall 2023 graduates, who left retirement to pursue a college degree and “repurpose.”

Readers also can meet assistant women’s basketball coach Lonnika Thompson and learn more about her indomitable spirit as she battled back from a serious health condition.

Other highlights include stories about an archaeological dig at the oldest active cathedral in the United States, a concrete canoe race with engineering students, a conservation field school in central Africa, and faculty research that will help save Louisiana’s coastline and help train the workforce using virtual reality tools.

And, if you gasp in awe at the spectacular “First Look” photograph, it is the work of our video producer and drone pilot Esther Clowney.

A digital copy of Silver & Blue is available online here .

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