Basketball is considered by most to be a sport. However, in my family basketball is almost a religion. It was not simply passed down through generations as a favorite pastime, it’s in my genes.
Basketball, which was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, is the third most popular sport in the United States behind baseball and football.
In the United States, baseball is considered the national pastime, yet basketball is making a run for top billing. However, basketball is taking a different route that baseball.
In the past few years the NBA has gone global. This has caused the fan base of basketball to rise at a considerably fast pace. Not only are other countries tuning in to watch Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, but they are now watching players who are representing their country.
According to NBA.com, in the 2007 playoffs there were 60 International players representing 28 different countries and territories. This diversity has extremely helped the overall popularity of basketball.
Although most people seem to think that basketball, especially the NBA, is down in popularity, it isn’t. According to ESPN.com, the NBA broke its attendance record for the third straight year, drawing more than 21.8 million fans and averaging 17,757 fans during the 2006-07 season.
Who can forget the magic of college basketballs March Madness, the single elimination tournament for the best 65 teams in the country? This is arguably one of the most exciting championship tournaments in all of sports. It provides action, energy, enthusiasm, skill, upsets, glory, and heartache.
Basketball has come a long way since its creation in 1891. It has since become an international language that communicates through competition. Since basketballs globalization it is clear to see that we not only have to practice to keep up with the best players in the United States, but to keep up with the best players in the world.
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