James Naismith — Physical Education Instructor Who Invented Basketball
Oct 30, 2020
The inventor of Basketball, Dr. James Naismith was a Canadian-American physical educator who designed the game of basketball in 1891.
The world credits Naismith with designing the first football helmet. He also pinned the first basketball rulebook, and established the basketball program at the University of Kansas.
James Naismith was indeed a great contributor to the world of sports, making basketball the only modern sport that was ‘invented’ by an individual.
Quick Facts
- Name: James Naismith
- Known For: Inventing Basketball
- Famous As: Father of Basketball
- Born On: 6 November 1861
- Place Of Birth: Almonte, Ontario, Canada
- Died On: 28 November 1939
- Education: The Presbyterian College, McGill University, YMCA
- Parents: John Naismith (father), Margaret Young (mother)
- Spouses: Maude Evelyn Sherman and Florence B. Kincaid
- Children: Margaret Mason, Helen Carolyn, John Edwin, Maude Ann, and James Sherman
Lesser Known Facts about James Naismith
- He was born in Canada but later became an American citizen.
- The first basketball game were played nine against nine, and using a soccer ball.
- He became the first college basketball coach.
- His instructor asked him to create an indoor game and James created Basketball.
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