College Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the U.S. and has some of the most memorable games in sports history. The sport originated December 21, 1891, credited to Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor. He wanted a way to keep his students busy during the cold winter months. Four years later on February 9, 1895, the first college basketball game was played between Hamline University and the Minnesota State School of Agriculture. By 1900 basketball teams could be found at schools across the country.
Rules of the game have substantially changed over the years. At first, a soccer ball was used, you could not dribble, and instead of goals there were peach baskets. It was played roughly and often resulted in many injuries. Initially, the sport began with two teams each consisting of nine players. According to basketball.org, “The first significant rule change was initiated in 1893, the number of players went from nine to five. The start of dribbling came in 1901 and NCAA was founded in 1906 helping to structure the sport.”
The first NCAA tournament was held in 1939. Today, this tournament is widely known as “March Madness”. As one of the most anticipated events in the sports calendar, it’s a single elimination tournament starting with 68 teams that compete in seven rounds. It presents opportunities for teams to showcase their talent and passion for the sport, witnessing cinderella runs, massive upsets, and sometimes even record breaking performances.
The first team to ever win was the University of Oregon in 1939. 43 years later the women’s tournament started, presenting a platform for female athletes to put on a show of their skills alongside the men.
Samantha Laskowski, a Winter Park High School junior on the varsity basketball team, shared her opinion from last season’s March Madness. “It was quite an upset for the boys and seeing Kentucky get out very early. For the girls I feel like a lot of people already knew Iowa was going back to the championship but the question was will they win,” said Laskowski.
Others agree with Laskowski’s opinion, as many predicted Iowa, led by Caitlin Clark, would make a run for the championship. Though they did make it that far, they came up short to the University of South Carolina, who went 38-0 last season.
Considering basketball’s history, it is one sport that fans believe to be unforgettable. The competition brought within it can be hard to match. Some of the honorable mentions throughout the history of basketball include coaches like John Wooden from UCLA, Mike Krzyzewski from Duke, and Pat Summitt from Tennessee. All have left their mark on the game and have built a dominating legacy for their schools. Notable players include “Pistol” Pete Maravich, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Bill Walton. Each one exhibiting strength, resilience, and intensity in both College and Professional basketball.
Laskowski has an outlook on players as well, “My favorite guy’s player from a couple years ago from Wisconsin was Samuel Thomas Dekker. He was a really good player but went into the NBA draft one year too early. For the girls probably Juju (Watkins) or Caitlin (Clark),” Laskowski said.
Her favorite college team also happens to be the Wisconsin Badgers. She says basketball has taught her lessons as well saying, “That you have to learn to brush mistakes off and that they don’t define you, but also learn from them and improve on things that are important to you, and always strive to do your best at anything you are faced with.” These lessons have helped her not just on the court, but also in other places like school, helping her obtain the right outlook and attitude to excel.
Though its humble beginnings, its rich history suggests otherwise. Right now basketball’s competitiveness and sense of community has sucked in viewers to look forward to each season, especially the 2024-2025 season for both men and women. The talent we are expecting this season is unmatchable, as it is almost every year. This has led many to come up with predictions on how it might go down.
Laskowski predicts USC and Uconn will have a strong season, saying “they both ended in the final four for girls. I think they’ll possibly make it for the championship.” Similarly, she says that for the men’s bracket “Uconn would have a really good chance at winning again.”
A newer concept to college sports is the transfer portal. According to Sports Recruits, “Starting in 2018, it has allowed athletes more autonomy and declares their intent to transfer and receive contact from other programs.” The portal brings transparency to the process of transferring and allows it to be more publicized. It’s a controversial topic as some think it’s beneficial and others unfair.
Laskowski says, “I think the transfer portal is great. It really gives a player a chance to find a place to try to enjoy and have fun while playing their sport.”
As Laskowski is only a junior, college basketball is a decision she doesn’t have an answer to yet. “It’s definitely a cool dream I have and debating what I want to major in for college, we will see,” said Laskwoski.
Looking at it as a whole, basketball may not seem so life changing, but it is for many people. It teaches life lessons, responsibility, listening skills, and more. Growing up surrounded by the sport, it has also shown that there is a strong sense of community, one that many strive for when being involved in sports. It’s entertaining, influential, and competitive. It can be learned from for many years to come, and will always be viewed as one of the greatest sports in history.
