James Naismith: The Man Who Invented Basketball

by Rob Rains

Rains and Carpenter chronicle how James Naismith developed the original rules of basketball, coached the game at the University of Kansas--establishing college basketball in the process--and was honored for his work at the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin.

Genres: Biography, Basketball, Sports

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

More about the life and philosophy of James Naismith than the sport itself, this biography is interesting, well written and filled with fascinating facts. For instance, Naismith only ever played basketball twice, despite inventing the game and coaching it for years. Backboards were added partly to prevent fan interference -- the bank shots were an unforeseen bonus. The author of this book worked with Naismith's granddaughter and had access to Naismith's letters and papers, which gives the story of his life a very real, personal feel. Naismith never made money from basketball and wanted to use the sport as a way for young men -- and women -- to keep fit, have fun and learn sportsmanship. He didn't care so much about winning, and is the only basketball coach in KU history to have a losing record. But he was a man of integrity who lived an admirable, upstanding life.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

[Mike Barat · Rating 4 out of 5]

If all James Naismith did was invent basketball that would been a huge accomplishment all by itself. However he had a degree in Religion and was a MD as well. When he left his home in Almont Ontario, and was first basketball coach at the university Of Kentucky and ironically he is the only basketball coach with a losing record that the university has ever had, than he worked as a professor at the university for at least thirty years. James Naismith only saw basketball as a game that was something to be played indoors for people to get exercise during the winter months, and he never dreamed the game would become as big as it did. As a result he could have made a lot of money from inventing basketball, however James Naismith felt the fact that basketball became so popular all over the world he felt that was enough for him, and therefore he turned down many endorsement deals that would have made him very wealthy. There's something to be said for anyone that is happy enough with his own accomplishments that he feels money isn't needed.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good biography on the life and influence of James Naismith.

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent depiction of the man from more than just a basketball perspective. Probably 3 1/2 stars.