Orange and Black Fever

It started with a sun-beaten peach basket, a deflated ball, and a man with a dream. Rainy days are what caused wonderful game to be created. Dr. James Naismith, a professor at Kansas University created this game in Springfield, Massachusetts. He wanted athletes everywhere to be challenged by it.  Now, today all young kids who play basketball have dreams of being the best, and making money for doing it. Select basketball, AAU, High school basketball, College ball, etc. are what players who are considered “great” do. They play the game anyway they can and that is all they do. They—Eat. Sleep. Dream. Basketball.

Basketball is a beautiful game. The way the game was made up, fascinates me. In, 1891 Dr. James Naismith thought of a vigorous game that would help his students stay in shape on a rainy day. After rejecting all of his other ideas, he finally thought of taking a peach basket and nailing it up on a 10-foot board. The object was to shoot the ball into the peach basket, you got one point for the ball going through the hoop. Peach baskets were used until 1906 when metal hoops and backboards were put into place. Soccer balls were then used until 1950 when brown leather balls were introduced to the game. The first ever game was played in Albany, New York. There were only nine players playing and the game ended in a 1-0 win. The shot had been made from 25 feet out on just a half-sized court of a regulation National Basketball Association (NBA) court or Streetball court. Nobody knew what to make of the new game, but everyone started getting involved—then it was known as “Basketball”.

Although, there is so much history in the game of basketball there are so many different levels that people today play at in today’s age. High school and College is what many people hope to achieve. They want to lead their team to a state title in high school. Being the league scorer and keeping your team in it. In college, they want to prove they have what it takes to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Only so many can make it into this elite group of players. But, if you have your mind set on making it to this league, then you have a chance too. I dream to play high school basketball, and even college. Putting constant effort into everything I do, just to have a shot at doing this. I’d risk everything to be in a position like that. Athletes young, teens, elders, etc. that have played basketball wish they could’ve done only what a few people ever do, but at least they tried—and that is successful enough.

With all the different levels people play at, rules are very important to the game. When the game was first created, there were only basic rules like make the ball into the hoop or pass and dribble the ball. The objective is to outscore your opponent. You get 2 points for a shot inside 23 feet and 3 points for a shot behind that. NBA quarters are played at 12 minutes, FIBA (International Basketball) quarters are played at 10 minute quarters, High School Varsity games are played at 8 minute quarters, and NCAA (College) are played at 20 minute halves. 5 people play on each side and you have unlimited substitutes which come in when play is stopped for players who are tired or in foul trouble. A foul is when a person illegally hits, bumps, shoves etc. a player. If he is in the act of shooting you get two shots at the free throw line. There are also, many violations. You cannot travel with the ball which is when you pick up your dribble and take more than two steps. A double-dribble is when a player stops dribbling, and starts dribbling again. Carrying the ball is also illegal, you may not cup your hand under the ball and keep dribbling. There are so many rules that are put into the game of basketball, if you know most of them, you should be in good shape to play the game.

Basketball is a game real men play. You need to be tough, strong, and have the will to win. There may be rules, that hold you back—but if you follow those rules you can be the best. There may be players who are bigger, better, and stronger than you. They think they are the best, but you can do it and strive to beat them. You want to make history with your game, so do it. Anything is possible in the game of basketball. I just want to be a part of the game as long as I can, and help people around me that want to be the best. That is what inspires me to play basketball, I’m sure many people have their reasons to be playing the game too.