by Tim Delamatter

Created on: March 02, 2009   Last Updated: March 11, 2009

When a Canadian P.E. Professor from McGill University in Montreal, a certain Dr. J Naismith, nailed a Peach Basket to the elevated track, in the famed YMCA Training School Gymnasium (now Springfield College). His only thought was to make a non-violent, vigorous fitness game, which could keep his students occupied, and a chance to be physically fit during the long cold New England Winters.

His game was ingenious, in that he knew he needed to make a game which would fit into a walled facility, and wouldn't be too easy, nor too hard, and remarkably his original 13 rules are still the basis of todays game. The first peach basket experiment, of course took off, and has become what is now one of the World's favorite (next to Soccer) most accessible game to play.

From Asia where they nail rings of metal to lampposts in the cities, or trees in the country, and sometimes tie together their shoelaces to make a basketball, to Europe where the Professional league is becoming so popular European kids now dream of the riches and glory of playing Basketball instead of Football (or Soccer).

If he only knew how popular his game would become, he probably would've not shared it as freely as he did. What he lacked in the way of understanding it's soon to be popularity, he more than made up for in improvising his original rules. I always loved College basketball.

It may be because most of the players wouldn't even being able to go to College had not they secured the scholarship their skills in this game have afforded them. Most College Basketball players today would struggle to afford the cost, and make the grades needed to not only stay in school but also get into College.

Dr. Naismith's game has made College campus's into a place where there is good entertainment, amazing amounts of money pumped into everything from buildings to programs, to peoples pockets. He may be somewhat disappointed, but overall his game has shown why College is a place where anyone can dream, where anyone can beat the odds, and most importantly where anyone can secure a World class education.

Lets get back to how College Basketball has become the Multi Billion Dollar industry it has become. This subject is of course too large for a small article such as this. I will attempt to break down the main points in the time line of College basketball.

1. 1895 First InterCollegiate game between Minnesota College of Agriculture and Hamline College, Minnesota won 9-3.

2. 1896, First Womens Collegiate Basketball Game

3. 1906,

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