True Original
One hundred and twenty one years ago today, James Naismith created the game of basketball. It was a harsh winter day at a local YMCA, where Naismith was told to come up with an indoor game that would provide an athletic distraction. This is where the game of basketball was born. James Naismith invented the game and wrote down 13 basic rules. This original document was auctioned off in 2010 for 4.3 million dollars.
The first game of basketball was played in 1891 with a soccer ball and two peach baskets. In 1898 the University of Kansas men's basketball program officially began. Ironically, Naismith was the only coach in the program's history to have a losing record, (55-60).
However, Naismith also coached Forrest "Phog" Allen, his eventual successor at Kansas. Allen followed his mentor and embarked on a coaching career that lead him to be called "The Father of Basketball Coaching." During his time at Kansas, Allen coached Dean Smith and Adolph Rupp who are currently in the top 5 of winningest coaches in NCAA Division I history. Even after all these years, Phog Allen still remains in the top 15.
All three coaches stemmed from Naismith at University of Kansas who all are members of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Basketball has evolved into a international phenomenon. It has extended its reach to new heights and created hundreds of iconic superstars and role models. But never forget, the University of Kansas is where the true originals began.