This is a brief version of the History of Basketball with the help of a little research , just to give you a taste of how basketball has progressed over the years - I hope you enjoy the reading.......

1981 - 2000

Basketball was invented by Dr James Naismith in 1891 - teams had 9 players back then and in 1895 the backboard was introduced as up until then, there was just a hoop.

The National Basketball League (NBL) was formed in 1898 and the major league - The American Basketball League (ABL) where players signed contracts came sometime later in 1925. Basketball was played as an Olympic sport for the first time in 1936 and the first NCAA tornament was held in 1939. The Basketball Association of America (BAA) began an 11 team league in 1945.

Both the NBL and the ABL broke up and recommenced on many occasions during the years but in 1949/50, the BAA and the NBL merged to become the league which many of us are addicted to - The NBA. The league now consisted of 17 teams in 3 divisions.

In 1950 Charles (Chuck) Cooper became the first Black American to be drafted into the NBA where he was joined by Earl Lloyd and Nat Clifton. The first NBA All-Star game was played in 1951 and in 1954 cameras televised the first Championship game.

Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a game against the New York Knicks in 1962 and can you believe that the 'Dunk' was actually banned in college games in 1967! It took time but the Dunk was finally reinstated in 1976. During this period, Block shots and Steals were recognised for statistical purposes (1973) and the NBA adopted the '3 Pointer' in 1979.

In 1991 if fouled beyond the 3 point arc then 3 free throws were introduced and to finish off, the year 2000 brought the opportunity for US College officials to view replays of last second shots to assist with their decision. Wouldnt it be good to have this introduced for Basketball games all over the World?

DID YOU KNOW THAT......................................
In 1937 came the 10 second rule
In 1945 came the 3 second rule
In 1945 came the fouling out after 5 fouls
In 1950 came the 1 and 1 free throw rule
In 1954 came the 24 second clock rule (2000 in Europe)
1961 came the 3 point shot

I started playing basketball when I was 5 years old and even then, like many kids who play ball, I too had dreams of playing in the NBA. I was always the youngest, playing with older more experienced players. I guess it always helps (your confidence, determination and experience) when you play against better players than yourself.

I joined my first team when I was 8 years old at the 'boys club', an after school activity. Up until age 17 I continued going to the 'boys club' - from 3.00pm to 9.00pm Monday to Friday -where I mainly played Ball and would swim. I continued to play during high school (13-17 years) and played in the Athletic Amateur Union (AAU). Whilst in high school I got to the State playoffs but we were knocked out - I was named the All District, Honourable Mention All Star and team MVP as a Senior in high school.

I then moved to Middle Georgia Junior College. My first year there was a big adjustment for me as in high school I played point guard and when I got to Junior college they had 4 inside players quit the team. Because of my size, coach moved me inside and so my first year I struggled while learning to play a new position. I came on late in the year to have some good games and be named Most Improved Player. During my second year I went from averaging 8 points as a Freshman to 23 points and 12 rebounds and was named All district and Team MVP.

After college I obtained a Scholarship to the University of North Alabama. This team was the closest team I have ever been on - we were family and did everything together. We went on to be 29 and 4 and won the Division II National Championships. Although never starting a game, I led the team in scoring and rebounding for most of the year. During my Senior year I was named Conference Player of the Year and 3rd Team All American. From there I went on to play as a professional player for a season in the Dominican Republic.

I was then made an offer to move to England -which was a great experience - and enhanced my career enormously (see my Profile). I have made life long friends and really developed my game. I would like to thank those people that touched my life as well as my development as a Basketball Player: