10 Interesting Facts About Basketball to Include in Your Informative Speech

10 Interesting Facts About Basketball to Include in Your Informative Speech

Basketball is one of the most popular sports across the globe, with millions of fans and participants. If you’re planning on giving a speech about basketball, including some interesting and lesser-known facts can help grab your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. Here are 10 facts about basketball that you can use in your informative speech:

1. Basketball Was Invented By A Canadian

James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor, invented basketball in December 1891. He was looking for a way to keep his students active during the winter months and came up with the game as an indoor activity.

2. The First Basketball Game Was Played With A Soccer Ball

During the first game of basketball, played on December 21, 1891, Naismith used a soccer ball as the ball for the game. It wasn’t until 1949 that a basketball with an inflated rubber bladder and a synthetic covering was developed.

3. The Height Of The Rim Was Initially Only 10 Feet

The current height of the basketball rim is 10 feet, but initially, Naismith set the rim’s height at 10 feet and 1 inch. The extra inch was meant to make the game more challenging and force players to throw the ball over their heads.

4. Michael Jordan Was Cut From His High School Basketball Team

Considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan was actually cut from his high school basketball team during his sophomore year. He used this as motivation to train harder and eventually became a 6-time NBA champion.

5. The Longest NBA Game Was Six Overtimes

The game with the most overtime periods was between the Indianapolis Olympians and Rochester Royals on January 6, 1951. The game went into six overtimes before finally ending with a score of 75-73 in favor of the Olympians.

6. The NBA Was Almost Bankrupt In 1979

In 1979, the NBA was struggling financially, with many teams in danger of going bankrupt. It was then that Larry Bird and Magic Johnson made their rookie debuts, and the rivalry between the two players helped revitalize interest in the NBA, leading to the league’s current success.

7. The Harlem Globetrotters Have Played In Over 120 Countries

The Harlem Globetrotters are a basketball exhibition team that has been around for almost 100 years. Since their formation, they have played in over 120 countries, helping to spread the love of basketball around the globe.

8. The Top NBA Salaries Are Over $40 Million Per Year

As of 2021, Stephen Curry is the highest-paid player in the NBA, earning over $40 million per year. Other top players, such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, also earn over $35 million per year.

9. The WNBA Was Established In 1996

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) was established in 1996, giving female basketball players a professional league of their own to play in. The league has grown significantly since its inception and now boasts over 150 players, 12 teams, and millions of fans.

10. The Oldest Professional Basketball Player Was 52 Years Old

Nat Hickey, a former NBA coach, came out of retirement at the age of 45 to play one game for the Providence Steamrollers. He then played a few more games for the team at the age of 52, making him the oldest professional basketball player in history.

In conclusion, these ten facts about basketball are interesting and informative and can help spice up your informative speech. From the sport’s origins to the highest-paid players in the NBA, there are plenty of topics to explore when discussing basketball. So, go ahead and use these fascinating facts and keep your audience on their toes!