BASKETBALL

The American sport of basketball has come a long way since it was invented by James Naismith in 1891. Originally, the game was played with a soccer ball and peach baskets instead of a backboard and rim. There were no holes in the baskets and a ladder was used to retrieve the ball if it did stay in the basket! There were as much as fifty players on opposing teams and players who committed fouls were sent to a hockey-like penalty box. Today the game has changed dramatically and basketball has become one of the top three sports in North America.The game of basketball has been considerably refined. It is now played on a court, each team has a coach, and there are referees to enforce the rules. The coach plays a very important role in building the team into a unit. However, skill is a big factor and it is the coach's job to strengthen and improve a player's natural ability. The goal is to score more baskets than one's opposing team. Teams are composed of twelve players, five starters and seven substitutes. The starters are the more skilled players on the team. Each basket inside the three point line counts as two points and each basket outside the three point line counts as three points. As basketball's popularity increased, it developed into a very fast-paced game which required high efficiency equipment. Since basketball involves running, jumping and pivoting, a player's shoes are his most valuable assets. Shoes continue to change and can cost up to three hundred dollars! The great players of today have designed their own special shoes. High school and college players feel that these shoes can help them move their game to a higher level. In 1949, the National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed and this was a major turning point for basketball. The NBA showcased its top stars and fan interest took off like a rocket. Wilt Chamberlain at seven feet one, could not be contained and led the league in scoring on several occasions. He once scored one hundred points in a game, a world record that still stands to this date. When Michael Jordan came on the scene, he took basketball to a fantasy level. Nicknamed "Air Jordan" for his unique ability to soar to great heights, he is regarded as the greatest player who ever played the game. Even if someone had never watched an NBA game, he would have heard of Jordan. He dazzled the fans with his fadeaways and amazed them with his slam dunks. He was responsible for taking basketball to the international scene. Fans in China thought he was one of the two greatest men in history, not only basketball. When he retired in 1999, it made the headlines in even the Japanese newspapers. One superstar, even if he is Michael Jordan, cannot do it all and win games by himself. In order to play much more effectively, he must have team support. It is essential to play as a team and each player on the court has to make a contribution. Good, solid defensive play wins games, not flashy moves by one single player. It is also important to have a leader on the team who is the spark plug. He must motivate his team to play to its potential. You MUST have the correct attitude to be an outstanding basketball player. You can't just arrogantly step onto the court, thinking you are the best player. Good players in the NBA not only have the right attitude, but also work on their weaknesses. They give back to the sport as well. Players such as Shaquille O'Neil and Vince Carter are involved in extensive charity work and also featured in television commercials. They have indicated that this provides a big boost for their confidence level. Most players also accumulate confidence from their coaches. Good coaches will do almost anything to bring out the best in a player. They will share his experience, celebrate his victory and encourage him in defeat. They will always be willing to listen and suggest ways to get you to play at top level. They will convince you that you are an important member of the team. Calbert Cheany, former NBA star, has credited his coach for inspiring him to play to his absolute best. He has even compared his coach to God! Fans also inspire players to build up their confidence level. They support the home teams and make a significant difference between home and away games. Sometimes fans are the difference between winning and losing. Players in turn go all out to impress the fans and at the same time produce a winning effort. Fans provide teams with inspiration, confidence, courage and financial support. They are an essential part of basketball. The NBA provides high powered entertainment and people around the world are extremely excited about NBA competition. Since basketball has attracted such a huge audience, the NBA has become a flourishing business operation and provides substantial incomes for players. It has also supported us in the endeavor to improve multiculturalism and relations among different ethnic groups. It has brought people together. As the years pass by, basketball is rapidly gaining popularity. Now that Michael Jordan has retired, one would think that basketball might be taking a back seat to baseball or football. However, many new players with extraordinary and innovative talents are stepping in. Many dedicated fans are attending games just to see the new rising star, Vince Carter. They are especially excited with his "dunk" as he dominates the court and dazzles fans with his spectacular athletic ability. The NBA provides a player with a chance to become a role model and showcase his talents. Outstanding players such as Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain have laid a solid foundation. There is no doubt that if it were not for basketball, many talented kids would be just hanging out. Maybe even getting involved in drugs and other criminal activity. Becoming a professional NBA player has not only become the American dream, but the international dream as well.