The game of basketball as it is known today was created by Dr. James Naismith in December 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, to condition young athletes during cold months

The first basketball hoops were peach baskets without an opening in the bottom. Referees had to retrieve the ball from the basket following a scoring play by climbing a ladder

Prior to 1923, basketball teams could choose which player would shoot a free throw after a foul

For nine years following 1966, slam dunks were illegal

For nine years following 1966, slam dunks were illegal

Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team