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James Naismith (Canada)
Born on November 06, 1861, in Almonte, Ontario, Canada.
Passed away on November 28, 1939, at the age of 78.
Nationality:
Canada

Enshrined as a contributor in the FIBA Hall of Fame on March 01, 2007.

Highlights

  • Almonte High School in Ontario, Canada: 1875-1877 and 1881-1883
  • Degree in Physical Education in the McGill University of Montreal (Quebec, Canada): 1983-1987
  • Practices football, rugby, lacrosse and ground gymnastics while in the McGill University
  • Degree in Religion in the Presbyterian College of Theology in Montreal (Quebec, Canada): 1987-1990
  • Enters the Springfield College in Massachusetts., U.S.A.: 1890
  • Becomes a physical education teacher in Springfield: 1891
  • Inventor of Basketball in December 1891: Dr. Luther Gulick, head of Physical Education at the Springfield School for Christian Workers, entrusted James Naismith the task to create an interesting indoor game that would occupy the students during the winter months. On 21st December 1891, the first game of basketball is played between Dr. Naismith's students
  • Published the Basketball Rules in January 1892 in the magazine ""Triangle""
  • James Naismith refuses the suggestion to give his name ('Naismith Ball') to the new sport which is already becoming a huge success: 1892
  • Physical Education Director in the YMCA in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.: 1895-1898
  • Degree in Medicine in the Gross Medical College of the University of Colorado (U.S.A.): 1895-1898
  • Physical education professor, chapel director and basketball coach at the University of Kansas (U.S.A.): 1898-1937
  • YMCA Secretary in France: 1917-1919

Distinctions & Recognitions

  • Honorary Master in Physical Education: 1910
  • Tosses the ball in the first basketball game of the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games
  • Professor Emeritus of the University of Kansas (after having retired at age 76): 1937
  • Legum Doctorate Degree of the McGill University: 1938
  • Honorary Doctor of Divinity at the Presbyterian College in Montreal: 1939
  • Life Member of the National Association of Physical Education, in the U.S.A.: 1941
  • Honorary President of the National Association of Basketball Coaches in the U.S.A.: 1941
  • Streets and buildings in Almonte, Springfield and Lawrence carry his name