Basketball is one of the most beloved sports in the world, but few know the hidden history behind it. From its roots in the late 1800s to its evolution as a worldwide phenomenon, there are many incredible stories and facts to uncover. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 amazing facts about basketball’s hidden history. Each of these facts highlights an important part of the game’s past that has shaped the sport as we know it today. Read on to learn more about the amazing history of basketball.

1) The first game of basketball was played with a soccer ball

The first game of basketball was played in 1891 at the International YMCA Training School in Massachusetts. It was played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets as the goals. This would become the beginning of the modern sport of basketball.

2) The first backboard was made out of chicken wire

It was in the early days of basketball when the first backboard was created. It was made from chicken wire, an inexpensive yet durable material. This provided a sturdy support for the hoop, allowing for more accurate shots and rebounds.

3) The first professional basketball league was the National Basketball League

Founded in 1898, the NBL was the first professional basketball league in the United States. It consisted of teams from seven different cities, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. The league was short-lived but its legacy remains today, with many of the teams’ names appearing in present-day NBA franchises.

4) The first player to score 100 points in a game was Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain scored an incredible 100 points in an NBA game on March 2, 1962. He achieved this record-breaking feat while playing for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks. His feat was so remarkable that his teammates said they were unable to remember exactly how many points he scored. To this day, Chamberlain holds the record for most points scored in an NBA game!

5) Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team

Michael Jordan, arguably the most iconic basketball player of all time, was surprisingly cut from his high school basketball team in his freshman year. Despite his natural talent, his 5’11” stature at the time wasn’t enough to make the varsity team. He later went on to become a six-time NBA champion and one of the greatest players of all time.

6) The first female player in the NBA was Lusia Harris

The groundbreaking moment happened in 1997 when Lusia Harris became the first female to be signed to a professional NBA team. She was signed by the New Jersey Nets as an assistant coach and her hiring opened the door for more women to join the NBA in the future. Harris was a WNBA star and a basketball legend, paving the way for future generations of women in the NBA.

7) The first African American player in the NBA was Earl Lloyd

Earl Lloyd became the first African American player to appear in an NBA game on October 31, 1950. He played for the Washington Capitols and paved the way for other African American players in the league. Lloyd was a fierce competitor and known for his defensive prowess. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.

8) The first Slam Dunk contest was held in 1976

The first ever Slam Dunk contest was held during the 1976 ABA All-Star Game. The inaugural event featured Julius Erving, David Thompson and Darnell Hillman competing for the title of Slam Dunk Champion. Erving won the competition and went on to become one of the most iconic players in basketball history.

9) The first team to win an NBA championship was the Boston Celtics

In 1957, the Boston Celtics won the first ever NBA championship. Led by Bill Russell, the Celtics went on to dominate the league for years to come. They won 8 championships in a row, and 11 of the first 13 titles. Bill Russell is still the most decorated player in NBA history with 11 titles and 5 MVP awards.

10) The first player to be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame was George Mikan

Mikan was inducted in 1959 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in basketball history. He was a six-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star. His legacy continues to inspire generations of players today.