history of basketball in the philippines essay

Basketball in the Philippines – The Countrys Favourite Sport

By: Author James

Posted on Published: August 9, 2019  - Last updated: March 10, 2024

Basketball in the Philippines was introduced by American teachers when the Philippines became a a colony of the United States following the Spanish-American War.

Through this article we look at the history of basketball within the Philippines and who were the main influencers of basketball within the Philippines.

History of Basketball in the Philippines

The Philippines were originally a Spanish colony however, following the Spanish-American War the Philippines were transferred to the Untied States . Although the Philippines became an independent country in 1946, the five decades of United States rule brought significant changes to the Philippines including the introduction of basketball.

Teachers who had traveled from America to the Philippines introduced basketball to the school system and the game of basketball began to spread across the nation.

Philippines Basketball in the Far Eastern Games

The Philippines basketball team took part in the Far Eastern Games which ran from 1913-1934. The Philippines were dominant in the games winning 9 Golds out of ten games. With 1921 being the only year when the Philippines Basketball team did not win the gold medal. 

Philippine Basketball in the Olympic Games

In 1936 basketball was listed as an Olympic sport for the first time. The Philippines entered a men’s basketball team for the games and finished fifth in the games following a 4-1 record. Their only loss coming against the United States of in the quarter finals of the competition. The Philippines beat the following teams on the way to the fifth position .

The Berlin Olympics were the most successful Olympics for the Philippines. However, the Philippines continued to be represented in the Olympics and finished in the following places in the following Olympics:

1956 Olympics – Finished in 7th place;

1964 Olympics – Finished in 11th place;

1968 Olympics – Finished in 13th place;

1972 Olympics – Finished in 13th place;

Philippines Basketball at the Asian Games

In 1951 the first Asian games were held, and the Philippines entered a basketball team and ended up winning the gold medal.  The Philippines basketball team retained the Gold medal at the 1954 Asian Games. After the disappointment of the 1956 Olympic Games the Philippines bounced back in 1958 with another Asian Games Basketball medal. The Philippines won a gold medal again in 1962.

Philippines Basketball in the FIBA World Championship

The Philippines entered a basketball team into the FIBA World Championship which was held in Brazil in 1954. The Philippines obtained a bronze medal in the championship after finishing of a record of 6-3. To this dates the 1954 Philippine Basketball Team achieved the best finish by an Asian country in the FIBA World Championship tournament.

In 1962 the Philippines were going to host the FIBA World Championship. However, the Philippines refused basketball players from communist nations to be granted visas. Due to this the FIBA organisation suspended the Philippines from FIBA and moved the competition to previous hosts Brazil in 1963.

The Philippines went back to the FIBA Championship in 1974 and finished 13th. In 1978 the Philippines got to host the FIBA Championship. The Philippines kept attending the FIBA Championship and in 1985 the Philippines won the Bronze medal at the FIBA Championship in Spain.

Philippines in the FIBA Asia Championship

The Philippines won the first FIBA Asian Championship in 1961 and has continued success within this Championship. The Philippines won the Championship in 1963, 1967, 1973, 1984, 1996,1997.

Philippines Basketball in the South East Asia Games

The Philippines won the first ever South East Asia Games in basketball and won a second title shortly after. Gold medals followed in 1981, 1983, 1984, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2007.

Philippine Suspension from FIBA

Although the Philippines enjoyed success on the basketball court there were issues off of the court. Most notably in 2005 when the Philippines were suspended. The reason for the suspension was due to the Philippine Olympic Committee who believed that the Philippines should be the number one team in Asia and there was not enough development of the national Philippine basketball team. Therefore, the Philippine Olympic Committee suspended the FIBA recognised basketball association in the Philippines and in return the Philippines national team was suspended from taking part in the following events, FIBA World Championship, FIBA Asia Championship, the Olympic Games and the Asian Games.

The impact of the Philippines being suspended was felt throughout Asia and the 2005 South Asian Games did not have basketball as an event due to the Philippine team being suspended.

The suspension was finally lifted in 2007 following the creation of a basketball association which FIBA approved of.

Has a Filipino ever played in the NBA?

Raymond Townsend was the first Filipino to play in the NBA . Townsend was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 1978 NBA Draft. Townsend had previously played college ball at UCLA. Townsend finished his career with the Indian Pacers (my beloved team).

Jordan Clarkson is the second Filipino American to play in the NBA. Clarkson was picked at the 46th pick of the 2014 NBA Draft . by the Washington Wizards and was traded straight away to the La Lakers. Although Clarkson had a successful spell with the Lakers he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018.

Clarkson plays for the Philippine national team as he has held a Philippine passport since he was twelve years old.

NBA All Stars v Philippine All Stars

It is a little known fact outside of the Philippines that an NBA All Stars team goes to the Philippines to play games occasionally against the Philippine All Stars. These are no walkovers, in 1996 Dennis Rodman turned up to the game and the NBA stars were beaten comfortably.

In 2011, the stars that went to play the Philippine All Stars were players such James Harden, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul etc. These games are taken seriously.

History of Philippines basketball

• Top 3 moments in Philippine basketball
• Top players in Philippines basketball

1. Fifth place in the 1936 Olympics in Germany

Basketball made its debut as a medal sport in the Olympics back in 1936. The Philippines was one of the teams that participated in the sport’s inaugural run in the Olympics. The team nicknamed “The Islanders” immediately made their mark in the tournament.

Led by collegiate star Charlie Borck and team captain Ambrosio Padilla, The Islanders won their first two matches against Mexico and Estonia to advance to the quarterfinal round. They lost to the gold medalist of the tournament, Team USA, and fell to the classification phase. They closed out the tournament with wins over Italy and Uruguay to claim fifth place. That finish by the Philippines is still the best standing by an Asian team in Olympic basketball.

2. Winning bronze in the 1954 World Cup in Brazil

The Philippines has won several medals in different Asian tournaments but its biggest accomplishment on the world stage up to this day is its bronze medal finish in the 1954 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Led by former Olympians Lauro Mumar and Caloy Loyzaga, the Philippines finished the tournament with six wins in nine games. Their only losses of the tournament came at the hands of eventual gold medalist Team USA and silver medalist Brazil.

Loyzaga showcased just how good Filipinos were during that tournament. He finished third in scoring, averaging 16.4 points per game, and was named to the All-tournament Team. To this day, no other Asian team has finished higher in the World Cup than the third-place ranking that the 1954 Philippine team achieved.

3. Return to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain

After missing out on the last eight FIBA Basketball World Cup events, the Philippines finally made a return to the world stage in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014. Known as Gilas Pilipinas, the national team was able to get back to the grandest stage of basketball by finishing second in the 2013 FIBA Asia Cup.

Gilas Pilipinas showed the whole world what Filipino basketball was all about. In the group stage of that tournament, the Philippines pushed their higher-ranked opponents Croatia, Greece, Argentina, and Puerto Rico to the limit in the first four games. They ended the tournament with a monumental win against Senegal, their first win on the world stage in 40 years.

Carlos Loyzaga

No one has significantly impacted Philippine basketball more than Carlos "Caloy" Loyzaga. A two-time Olympian, he placed the country on the world map by leading the national team to multiple gold medals in the Asian Games and FIBA Asia Cups. His most outstanding achievement was spearheading the Philippines to a bronze finish in the 1954 FIBA Basketball World Cup where he was also selected to the All-Star Five of the tournament. Nicknamed "The Big Difference", he is revered for helping the Philippines become a dominant basketball force in the region.

Robert Jaworski, Sr

If there was one player who fully captures the essence and passion of Philippine basketball, it’s Robert "Sonny" Jaworksi. The fiery court general embodied the “Never Say Die” mantra of the teams he played on throughout his 23 seasons in the Philippine Basketball Association. Known as “The Big J” and “The Living Legend”, he was the face of Philippine basketball for nearly three decades both as a charismatic player and playing coach. Not only was he one of the best to ever play, but he is also one of the most popular Filipino players of all time. 

June Mar Fajardo

June Mar Fajardo symbolizes where Philippine basketball is today. The big-bodied center has dominated the PBA for the last decade and became the first player in the league to win six straight Most Valuable Player awards. He was the centerpiece in nine PBA championships and was named Finals MVP four times. Known as "The Kraken", he has become a mainstay in the national team program. He was part of the Gilas Pilipinas squad that qualified for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain and the 2019 edition in China.

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Why Filipinos Love Basketball: More Than Just a Game

• by Amiel Pineda
• January 3, 2024 February 3, 2024

Do you remember the first time you heard the rhythmic bounce of a basketball echoing through the streets of a Filipino neighborhood? It's more than just a sound; it's a symbol of the deep-rooted love and passion that Filipinos have for basketball.

From the bustling city courts to the makeshift hoops in rural barangays, the game has woven itself into the fabric of Filipino culture, becoming a source of unity, pride, and identity for the nation.

But what is it about basketball that captivates the hearts of Filipinos, transcending the boundaries of just a sport? Stay tuned as we uncover the cultural significance and multifaceted nature of basketball in the Philippines, and how it has become more than just a game.

Key Takeaways

• Basketball has deep historical roots in the Philippines, starting from its introduction during the American colonial period.
• Basketball plays a significant role in shaping Filipino identity and society, serving as a symbol of national pride and resilience, and promoting values such as perseverance and teamwork.
• The sport fosters community bonding and serves as a focal point for gatherings and celebrations, with events like UAAP games and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) drawing people together.
• Basketball has a profound impact on Filipino youth and aspiring athletes, inspiring them to pursue their dreams, providing livelihood opportunities, and representing a sense of identity and pride.

Historical Roots of Basketball in the Philippines

During the American colonial period, the introduction of basketball to the Philippines through the Youth Basketball Association and the school system sparked a deep and enduring love for the sport among Filipinos. Basketball quickly embedded itself in the Filipino culture, becoming more than just a game. It became a way of life, a unifying force that transcended social barriers.

The historical roots of basketball in the Philippines run deep, with the first men's national team emerging as champions in the initial Far Eastern Championship Games in 1913. The country's membership in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in 1936 further solidified its passion for the sport.

From dominating the Asian Games to establishing basketball as the main sport in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in 1938, Filipino basketball has woven itself into the very fabric of the nation's identity.

Influence on Filipino Identity and Society

Basketball in the Philippines isn't just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon that has woven itself into the very fabric of Filipino identity and society. The popularity of basketball extends far beyond the court, influencing the way Filipinos see themselves and their place in the world.

It has become a symbol of national pride, embodying the resilience and determination of the Filipino spirit. The sport's history in the Philippines is rich with stories of how it brought communities together, transcending social and economic barriers.

The influence of basketball on Filipino identity is profound, shaping the values of perseverance, teamwork, and unwavering passion. It provides a platform for personal and collective growth, nurturing dreams and inspiring future generations.

Through basketball, Filipinos find not only a sense of belonging but also a source of unifying strength that permeates every aspect of their lives.

Basketball as a Unifying Force

Basketball isn't just a game in the Philippines; it's a unifying force that brings people together.

From the bustling streets of Manila to the remote provinces, the love for basketball is a cultural thread woven into the fabric of Filipino society.

It's not just about shooting hoops; it's about finding a sense of identity, pride, and belonging.

Cultural Identity and Pride

Embedded within the fabric of Filipino culture, basketball serves as a unifying force that symbolizes the shared struggles and aspirations of ordinary Filipinos. It's not just a game; it's a representation of cultural identity and pride.

The national team's victories in international competitions, like the Asian Games, fill every Filipino's heart with pride, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. The excitement of the Philippines' University Athletic Association (UAAP) basketball games brings communities together, transcending social classes and geographical barriers.

From bustling city streets to remote rural courts, the sound of the bouncing ball echoes the collective spirit of the nation. Every shot made and every game won represents a triumph for the Filipino people, reinforcing their cultural identity and instilling a deep sense of pride.

It's this unifying power that makes basketball more than just a sport in the Philippines.

Community Bonding and Support

Amidst the vibrant and bustling streets of the Philippines, the rhythmic sound of the bouncing ball echoes the unbreakable bond and unwavering support that basketball fosters within communities across the islands. It's more than just a game; it's a unifying force that brings people together, fostering a deep sense of community bonding and support.

Here's how basketball achieves this:

• Philippine Basketball Association (PBA): The PBA serves as a focal point for communities, providing a platform for shared experiences and collective pride.
• National Team: Supporting the national team during international competitions creates a sense of national unity and pride.
• Far Eastern: The Far Eastern University's basketball program has become a source of inspiration and community pride.
• Local Tournaments: Local basketball tournaments bring neighborhoods together, forging strong bonds and camaraderie.
• Volunteer Work: Collaborating on basketball-related community projects fosters a spirit of teamwork and support, strengthening community ties.

Basketball is more than a sport; it's a powerful unifying symbol that brings people together in love and support.

Emotional Connection and Belonging

In the heart of Filipino communities, the rhythmic bounce of the basketball echoes the deeply rooted emotional connections and sense of belonging that the sport engenders. Basketball is more than just a game; it is a unifying force that brings together people from all walks of life. In every barangay and city court, the basketball community thrives, creating a shared emotional connection that transcends social boundaries. Whether it's cheering for local heroes or coming together to play, the love for basketball in the Philippines fosters a powerful sense of belonging. The sport becomes a symbol of identity and pride, uniting Filipinos in a common passion. In every jump shot and dribble, the emotional connection to the game strengthens the bonds of community, illustrating why basketball is deeply embedded in the Filipino spirit.

Role of Basketball in Filipino Communities

Hey there! Let's talk about the role of basketball in Filipino communities.

Basketball isn't just a game in the Philippines; it's a way of life. It brings people together, creating a sense of camaraderie and community spirit that's deeply ingrained in Filipino culture.

This sport has a powerful influence on shaping Filipino identity and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Community Bonding Through Basketball

Imbued with a deep-rooted cultural significance and revered as more than just a sport, basketball has woven itself into the very fabric of Filipino communities, serving as a powerful catalyst for connection and camaraderie. In the Philippines, basketball isn't merely a game; it's a unifying force that brings people together. Here's how it fosters community bonding:

• Varsity League : The intense support for varsity basketball teams in universities creates a sense of pride and unity among students and alumni.
• University Athletic Association : The annual basketball tournament draws massive crowds, igniting a shared passion and spirit among diverse groups.
• Association of the Philippines : Local leagues and tournaments organized by this association provide a platform for people to come together, celebrate talent, and build lasting friendships.
• Street Courts : Community-built basketball courts become gathering spots, where neighbors bond over pick-up games and shared experiences.
• Barangay Tournaments : These grassroots competitions not only showcase talent but also strengthen the bonds within neighborhoods, creating a sense of belonging and pride.

The love for basketball in the Philippines goes beyond the sport itself; it's a reflection of the collective spirit and unity of the Filipino people.

Influence on Filipino Culture

Basketball in Filipino communities serves as a cultural cornerstone, shaping traditions, fostering unity, and embodying the collective spirit of the Filipino people.

In the Philippines, the basketball game isn't just a popular sport; it's a way of life. Basketball players are revered, their skills admired, and their triumphs celebrated with fervor. From bustling cities to remote barrios, the sound of rubber soles squeaking on the court is a symphony that resonates across the entire nation.

The influence of basketball on Filipino culture is profound, transcending mere athletic competition. It instills discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, values deeply embedded in Filipino heritage. Families gather around courts, cheering for their local heroes, creating a vibrant tapestry of community spirit.

This beloved sport has become an inseparable part of Filipino identity, embodying the resilience and passion of the Filipino people.

Impact on Filipino Youth and Aspiring Athletes

Embedded within the fabric of Filipino society, the love for basketball has nurtured the aspirations of youth and aspiring athletes, fostering personal and collective growth. The impact of basketball on Filipino youth and aspiring athletes is profound, shaping their lives in various ways:

• Inspiration : Countless young Filipinos find inspiration in basketball, using the sport as a driving force to pursue their dreams.
• Unity : Basketball serves as a unifying force, connecting individuals and communities, fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Opportunities : The accessibility of basketball provides livelihood opportunities, opening doors to a better life for many aspiring athletes.
• Identity : Beyond the sport itself, basketball represents a sense of identity and pride for Filipinos, further strengthening their cultural bonds.
• Personal Growth : The sport not only fosters physical skills but also encourages personal growth, instilling discipline, perseverance, and resilience in the youth.

Basketball's Presence in Filipino Entertainment and Media

The influence of basketball on Filipino youth and aspiring athletes extends beyond the courts, permeating the vibrant tapestry of Filipino entertainment and media.

From movies to television, basketball holds a significant presence in the Filipino entertainment landscape. It's not uncommon to see local celebrities and influencers donning basketball jerseys or engaging in friendly games, further solidifying the sport's impact on popular culture.

In media, basketball-themed shows and documentaries often take center stage, showcasing the sport's ability to captivate audiences across the nation. Whether it's a heartwarming film depicting the journey of an underdog team or a thrilling TV series set in the intense world of basketball rivalries, the sport's presence in Filipino entertainment and media is undeniable.

It's a testament to how deeply ingrained basketball is in the Filipino psyche, shaping narratives and inspiring creativity.

Future of Basketball in the Philippines

As you gaze into the horizon of Filipino basketball, a new era of innovation and technological advancement unfolds, promising to reshape the sport's landscape in the Philippines. The future of basketball in the Philippines is bright and exciting, driven by the passion and dedication of its people.

The following developments are shaping the future of basketball in the Philippines:

• Philippines' significant growth in the basketball market, evidenced by being the third-largest for Nike.
• PBA's historical impact as Asia's first professional basketball league and its influential players.
• The country's remarkable rise in FIBA world rankings, showcasing its increasing potential in international competitions.
• The emergence of blockchain startups and web3 gaming, signaling a potential revolution in the technological landscape of basketball.
• Krause House's pioneering efforts in creating a fan-governed team, highlighting the future possibilities of leveraging Web3 technology in Filipino basketball culture.

The future of basketball in the Philippines is a fusion of tradition, innovation, and boundless potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is basketball popular among filipinos.

Basketball is popular among Filipinos because it embodies their struggles and aspirations. The sport's fast-paced action and accessibility provide livelihood opportunities, making it a source of national pride and cultural significance.

What Sport Do Most Filipinos Play?

Most Filipinos play basketball. It's more than a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon. From neighborhood courts to professional leagues, it unites communities. The love for basketball runs deep in the Filipino spirit.

How Has Basketball Changed Our Culture in the Philippines?

Basketball has changed Filipino culture by uniting communities, fostering national pride, and shaping the identity of Filipinos. It's more than just a game; it's a symbol of resilience, passion, and the Filipino spirit.

Do Filipinos Play Basketball?

Do you play basketball? Filipinos play basketball with passion and enthusiasm. It's more than just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon that brings people together, fostering a sense of community and national pride.

How Does the Love for Basketball Impact Homeschooled Students in the Philippines?

The love for basketball can provide homeschooled students in the Philippines with an outlet for physical activity and social interaction. Tips for balancing K12 homeschooling include incorporating basketball practice into the daily schedule, finding local leagues or teams to join, and using the sport as a way to build teamwork and discipline.

So, next time you see a group of Filipinos playing basketball in the streets or cheering on their favorite team, remember that it's more than just a game to them. It's a symbol of their identity, a source of pride, and a unifying force in their communities.

Basketball has woven itself into the fabric of Filipino culture, and its impact will continue to shape the future of the Philippines for generations to come.sport becomes a symbol of identity and pride, uniting Filipinos in a common passion. through the streets of a Filipino neighborhood? It's more than just a sound; it's a symbol of the deep-rooted love and passion that Filipinos have for basketball.

Basketball has woven itself into the fabric of Filipino culture, and its impact will continue to shape the future of the Philippines for generations to come.

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• Why Is The Philippines Obsessed...

Why the Philippines is Obsessed With Basketball

Basketball is everywhere you look in the Philippines: in tiny fishing villages on the islands of Palawan, on gritty street corners in Manila and Cebu, and on television screens from north to south of the archipelago. Where does this passion for the game of hoops come from? Find out as Culture Trip explores the Philippines’ continuing love affair with basketball .

There’s no doubt about the origins of basketball on the Philippine islands. In 1898, American colonizers introduced the sport as part of revisions they made to the official Philippine school system. Although the Americans also attempted to teach baseball, basketball was the sport that took off, and just 15 years later, the Philippines won gold in the 1913 Far Eastern Games.

The Filipinos’ love for basketball may begin at any time, but it is definitely nurtured by the school system, from primary school up to the collegiate level. In 1938, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) was born. This varsity league is still alive and kicking, and many non-players get roped into the passion and excitement of the game during their university years, as long-standing rivalries come to a head and thousands of students troop to the Araneta Coliseum for the heated finals of each UAAP season.

Many visitors to the Philippines wonder about the roots of the Filipinos’ adoration for the sport, considering that Filipinos are not known for their height (a major asset in basketball). Experts point to the basketball’s accessibility, its entertainment factor, and its fast pace as the main reasons why it has merged so well with Filipino culture.

Since it requires little space, no maintenance, no expensive gear, and no required number of players for a social game, basketball carries well across the poverty-stricken Philippines, where it staves off boredom for countless Filipino teenagers. Besides being easy to learn, the sport also fits well in the Philippines because of its strategic and dynamic nature, making the game rewarding for both players and spectators. Filipinos, who love being entertained, enjoy being kept on the edge of their seats by the game’s unpredictable twists.

Beyond this, the game has become a source of national pride for the country. The Philippines won bronze at the 1960 FIBA World Championship, the highest finish to date of any Asian nation in the games (now the FIBA World Cup.) By 1975, the Philippines had established the Philippine Basketball Association , the first pro basketball league in the world outside of the United States. Despite their small stature, Filipinos are surprisingly adept at the sport, and the country holds countless gold medals from regional competitions.

The country’s love for the game continues. The National Geographic documentary Pinoy Hoops takes a deep look into how the sport is played in the Philippines. The government has been known to postpone elections rather than have them clash with dates of the NBA Finals. Nike reports that the Philippines is its third largest basketball market after the USA and China. It’s safe to say that nothing unites Filipinos of every social class on 7,107 islands more than what happens on the basketball court.

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Sunday Essays: One ball, one country

PHILIPPINES, in an archipelago made of 7,107 islands. Its people are divided by great bodies of water and vast mountain ranges. Apart from this geographic divide, the Philippine has always been divided by the basis of economic standard. It is a country where the gap of the rich and poor is beyond measure.

But despite of these vast divide, one game unites Filipinos from all over the archipelago, basketball.

From the hoop screwed to the tree in the provinces to the massive astrodomes in the city, Filipinos scream and shout in excitement with every bounce the ball. They cheer on their favorite players with great conviction and glee.

I am a testament to this. I have been playing basketball on the court, in videogames and I watch it on TV. I have seen this fascination all around me.

No fiesta in the country is complete without a basketball league commissioned usually by a politician in the locality. This has served politicians well as one of most effective ways to entertain and gather people of all ages in one place.

It only takes a hoop, a ball and a hard court to pump up the Philippines? most revered sport.

In some barangays, almost every street corner has a basketball hoop towering around the corner. Basketball has been used by local barangay officials as a diversion for youngsters to stray away from drugs and alcohol.

Some people already live their lives solely for the game and some even see it as a way out of poverty.

The growth of the Philippine Basketball Association is evidence to this. Pre-professional and professional leagues have grown over the years. Examples of these are the growing number of national and local collegiate basketball leagues and the developmental league of the PBA.

Basketball not only develops the body but also develops character. Since basketball is a team sport, the value of teamwork and unselfishness is developed. Each assist pass to a teammate teaches players to help one another to get closer to that valued win.

Perseverance is taught with in every basket that the opponents make. The desire to win, the desire to be the hero in the final seconds embodies this perseverance.

No matter which angle you look at it basketball has really influenced Filipinos one way or the other. Be it professional, amateur or just playing basketball for fun, basketball in the Philippines has become more than just a game. It has become an important part of the Filipino life. (Michael Mon)

Sunday Essays are articles by students of Ateneo de Davao University for their journalism class.

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Basketball in the Philippines has been a huge part of its culture. Wherever you will go—be it in the streets of Metro Manila or in the provinces—the basketball court will always be present. Just by walking in the streets of a certain community, there will always be a place where boys will be playing basketball. It can be a makeshift half court with a D.I.Y. ring, or a covered court complete with other facilities like the scoreboard and the benches.

Photo via Globalite Spo rts

Local government units would always put up basketball clinics during summer, or launch a basketball league to advocate sports among the youth. Some advocacies push for their participation and interest in basketball rather than being involved in drug-related activities and other crimes.

Despite a lack of height, basketball fanatics—mostly boys—go through their interest in the sports in their young years, which can be pursued as they grow older.

While people in the United States have the National Basketball Association (NBA), which Filipinos are also a fan of, our local version is the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), which was established in 1975 and composed of stalwart Filipino players who have gained a lot of following from their fellow countrymen.

Back in the starting years of PBA, the favorite teams include the Crispa Redmanizers and the Toyota Tamaraws, which has produced players like of Robert Jaworski and Francis Arnaiz. Later, when Toyota was disbanded, Jaworksi and Arnaiz brought their popularity to team Barangay Ginebra, which is considered as the most popular team to this day.

Photo by FIBA Asia via thefilipinoconnection.net

Today, Filipino fans would stay glued on their televisions during the season, or sometimes, they would buy tickets to be at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, a popular venue for basketball games, to cheer for their bets. Local celebrities and other athletes also support them, making PBA an important league for the sports industry.

Aside from that, if you are from the younger generation and would love to watch players your age, you can also watch the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), founded in 1938, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 1924. These leagues feature different university and colleges in the country who battle over for a yearly championship. In the UAAP history, the University of Santo Tomas has the most numbers of championships with 40 trophies under its name.  NCAA, meanwhile, has the San Beda College with 41.

Photo by uaapyeah.blogspot.com via hdpixa.com

Oftentimes, basketball players would enter showbiz due to their popularity. Some known players who joined the entertainment industry are Benjie Paras, and Jimmy Santos. Others, meanwhile, marry celebrities like Jimmy Alapag, who married actress LJ Moreno; James Yap, who has a son with presidential sister and famous host Kris Aquino, and more.

From the young ones to the old, basketball is indeed a huge part of Filipinos lives—whether they are athletes themselves or fans, every Filipinos has his own story to tell about the most-loved sport.

Article by Gelyka Ruth R. Dumaraos

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Photo Essay: Makeshift Basketball Courts Across the Philippines

Basketball was invented in 1890 in America. By 1900, it was already in the Philippines where the locals had embraced the sport with open arms. Over a century later, one photographer is on a quest to capture just how important this sport is to the Filipino people.

Based in Cebu, Philippines, documentary photographer and videographer Richard Daniels has travelled all over the country to chronicle the Basketball Courts of the Philippines. More specifically, “the grassroots hoops and courts of the local, mostly impoverished villages in the Southern Philippines.”

“My intention was to document the environment and local culture, using the basketball court or hoop as the unifying theme,” explains Daniels. “The project is still ongoing with over 200 courts and hoops documented, together with sub sets of the series including a focus on makeshift backboards.”

Here’s a look at a small sample of those 200 courts and hoops he’s captured so far during this long-term project:

To see the whole project, click here . And if you’d like to check out more of Richard’s work—surprisingly he’s found time to create several other projects while working on Basketball Courts—head over to his website or give him a follow on Facebook and Instagram .

Image credits : All photographs by Richard Daniels and used with permission.

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The early years

Growth of the game, u.s. high school and college basketball.

• U.S. professional basketball
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history of basketball

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• Springfield College - Where Basketball was Invented: The History of Basketball
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history of basketball , notable events and people in the development of basketball since its invention in the late 1800s. Unlike that of most popular sports , the origin of basketball is concise and all-American—it is the only major sport strictly rooted in the United States. The game was created by James Naismith , a physical education instructor, on or about December 1, 1891, at the International Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Training School (now Springfield College) in Springfield , Massachusetts. Its creation was met with great enthusiasm, and within a decade basketball became a collegiate sport. Although the first professional league was formed in 1898, the growth of the sport was fairly slow—albeit steady—for much of the early 1900s. It gained inclusion in the Olympic Games in 1936 and grew in international popularity following World War II. The formation of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1949 cemented the sport’s cultural importance in the United States, where it is played on playgrounds, in schoolyards, and on family driveways by children and adults alike. Basketball has also been embraced around the globe, notably in Spain, Italy, China, and Australia, where many contributions have been made to basketball’s varied history.

(Read James Naismith’s Britannica essay on basketball.)

In the early years the number of players on a team varied according to the number in the class and the size of the playing area. In 1894 teams began to play with five on a side when the playing area was less than 1,800 square feet (167.2 square metres); the number rose to seven when the gymnasium measured from 1,800 to 3,600 square feet (334.5 square metres) and up to nine when the playing area exceeded that. In 1895 the number was occasionally set at five by mutual consent; the rules stipulated five players two years later, and this number has remained ever since.

Since Naismith and five of his original players were Canadians, it is not surprising that Canada was the first country outside the United States to play the game. Basketball was introduced in France in 1893, in England in 1894, in Australia , China , and India soon thereafter, and in Japan in 1900.

While basketball helped swell the membership of YMCAs because of the availability of their gyms , within five years the game was outlawed by various associations because gyms that had been occupied by classes of 50 or 60 members were now monopolized by only 10 to 18 players. The banishment of the game induced many members to terminate their YMCA membership and to hire halls to play the game, thus paving the way to the professionalization of the sport.

Originally, players wore one of three styles of uniforms: knee-length football trousers; jersey tights, as commonly worn by wrestlers; or short padded pants, forerunners of today’s uniforms, plus knee guards. The courts often were of irregular shape with occasional obstructions such as pillars, stairways, or offices that interfered with play. In 1903 it was ruled that all boundary lines must be straight. In 1893 the Narragansett Machinery Co. of Providence , Rhode Island , marketed a hoop of iron with a hammock style of basket. Originally a ladder, then a pole, and finally a chain fastened to the bottom of the net was used to retrieve a ball after a goal had been scored. Nets open at the bottom were adopted in 1912–13. In 1895–96 the points for making a basket (goal, or field goal) were reduced from three to two, and the points for making a free throw (shot uncontested from a line in front of the basket after a foul had been committed) were reduced from three to one.

Baskets were frequently attached to balconies, making it easy for spectators behind a basket to lean over the railings and deflect the ball to favour one side and hinder the other; in 1895 teams were urged to provide a 4-by-6-foot (1.2-by-1.8-metre) screen for the purpose of eliminating interference. Soon after, wooden backboards proved more suitable. Glass backboards were legalized by the professionals in 1908–09 and by colleges in 1909–10. In 1920–21 the backboards were moved 2 feet (0.6 metre), and in 1939–40 4 feet, in from the end lines to reduce frequent stepping out-of-bounds. Fan-shaped backboards were made legal in 1940–41.

A soccer ball (football) was used for the first two years. In 1894 the first basketball was marketed. It was laced, measured close to 32 inches (81 cm), or about 4 inches (10 cm) larger than the soccer ball, in circumference, and weighed less than 20 ounces (567 grams). By 1948–49, when the laceless molded ball was made official, the size had been set at 30 inches (76 cm).

The first college to play the game was either Geneva College (Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania) or the University of Iowa . C.O. Bemis heard about the new sport at Springfield and tried it out with his students at Geneva in 1892. At Iowa, H.F. Kallenberg, who had attended Springfield in 1890, wrote Naismith for a copy of the rules and also presented the game to his students. At Springfield, Kallenberg met Amos Alonzo Stagg , who became athletic director at the new University of Chicago in 1892. The first college basketball game with five on a side was played between the University of Chicago and the University of Iowa in Iowa City on January 18, 1896. The University of Chicago won, 15–12, with neither team using a substitute. Kallenberg refereed that game—a common practice in that era—and some of the spectators took exception to some of his decisions.

The colleges formed their own rules committee in 1905, and by 1913 there were at least five sets of rules: collegiate , YMCA–Amateur Athletic Union, those used by state militia groups, and two varieties of professional rules. Teams often agreed to play under a different set for each half of a game. To establish some measure of uniformity, the colleges, Amateur Athletic Union, and YMCA formed the Joint Rules Committee in 1915. This group was renamed the National Basketball Committee (NBC) of the United States and Canada in 1936 and until 1979 served as the game’s sole amateur rulemaking body. In that year, however, the colleges broke away to form their own rules committee, and during the same year the National Federation of State High School Associations likewise assumed the task of establishing separate playing rules for the high schools. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Rules Committee for men is a 12-member board representing all three NCAA divisions. It has six members from Division I schools and three each from Divisions II and III. It has jurisdiction over colleges, junior colleges, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and Armed Forces basketball. There is a similar body for women’s play.

Basketball grew steadily but slowly in popularity and importance in the United States and internationally in the first three decades after World War II . Interest in the game deepened as a result of television exposure, but with the advent of cable television , especially during the 1980s, the game’s popularity exploded at all levels. Given a timely mix of spectacular players—such as Earvin (“Magic”) Johnson , Julius Erving (“Dr. J”), Larry Bird , and Michael Jordan —and the greatly increased exposure, basketball moved quickly to the forefront of the American sporting scene, alongside such traditional leaders as baseball and gridiron football . Four areas of the game developed during this period: U.S. high school and college basketball, professional basketball, women’s basketball, and international basketball.

Basketball at the high school and college levels developed from a structured, rigid game in the early days to one that is often fast-paced and high-scoring. Individual skills improved markedly, and, although basketball continued to be regarded as the ultimate team game, individualistic, one-on-one performers came to be not only accepted but used as an effective means of winning games.

In the early years games were frequently won with point totals of less than 30, and the game, from the spectator’s viewpoint, was slow. Once a team acquired a modest lead, the popular tactic was to stall the game by passing the ball without trying to score, in an attempt to run out the clock. The NBC, seeing the need to discourage such slowdown tactics, instituted a number of rule changes. In 1932–33 a line was drawn at midcourt, and the offensive team was required to advance the ball past it within 10 seconds or lose possession. Five years later, in 1937–38, the centre jump following each field goal or free throw was eliminated. Instead, the defending team was permitted to inbound the ball from the out-of-bounds line underneath the basket. Decades passed before another alteration of like magnitude was made in the college game. After experimentation, the NCAA Rules Committee installed a 45-second shot clock in 1985 (reduced to 35 seconds in 1993), restricting the time a team could control the ball before shooting, and one year later it implemented a three-point shot rule for baskets made beyond a distance of 19.75 feet (6.0 metres). In 2008 the three-point line was moved to 20.75 feet (6.3 metres) from the basket.

More noticeable alteration in the game came at both the playing and coaching levels. Stanford University’s Hank Luisetti was the first to use and popularize the one-handed shot in the late 1930s. Until then the only outside attempts were two-handed push shots. In the 1950s and ’60s a shooting style evolved from Luisetti’s push-off one hander to a jump shot, which is released at the top of the jump. West Virginia University guard Jerry West and Purdue University’s Rick Mount were two players who demonstrated the devastating effectiveness of this shot.

Coaching strategy changed appreciably over the years. Frank W. Keaney, coach at the University of Rhode Island from 1921 to 1948, is credited with introducing the concept of “fast break” basketball, in which the offensive team rushes the ball upcourt hoping to get a good shot before the defense can get set. Another man who contributed to a quicker pace of play, particularly through the use of the pressure defense, was Adolph Rupp , who became the University of Kentucky ’s coach in 1931 and turned its program into one of the most storied in basketball history.

Defensive coaching philosophy, similarly, has undergone change. Whereas pioneer coaches such as Henry Iba of Oklahoma A&M University (now Oklahoma State University ) or Long Island University’s Clair Bee taught strictly a man-to-man defense, the zone defense, developed by Cam Henderson of Marshall University in West Virginia , later became an integral part of the game.

Over the years one of the rules makers’ chief concerns was to neutralize the advantage of taller players. At 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 metres) Joe Lapchick was considered very tall when he played for the Original Celtics in the 1920s, but, as even taller players appeared, rules were changed in response. To prevent tall players from stationing themselves near the basket, a rule was instituted in 1932–33 prohibiting the player with the ball from standing inside the foul lane with his back to the basket for more than three seconds; the three-second rule later applied to any attacking player in the foul lane. In 1937–38 a new rule forbade any player from touching the ball when it was in the basket or on its rim (basket interference), and in 1944–45 it became illegal for any defending player to touch the ball on its downward flight toward the basket (goaltending).

Nevertheless, with each passing decade, the teams with the tallest players tended to dominate. Bob Kurland (7 feet [2.13 metres]) led Oklahoma A&M to two NCAA championships in the 1940s and led the country in scoring in 1945–46. In the same era George Mikan (6 feet 10 inches [2.08 metres]) scored more than 550 points in each of his final two seasons at DePaul University before going on to play nine professional seasons in which he scored more than 11,000 points. Mikan was an outstanding player, not only because of his size but because of his ability to shoot sweeping hook shots with both hands.

In the 1950s Bill Russell (6 feet 9 inches [2.06 metres]) led the University of San Francisco to two NCAA championships before going on to become one of the greatest centres in professional basketball history. Wilt Chamberlain (7 feet 1 inch [2.16 metres]) played at the University of Kansas before turning professional in the late 1950s and is regarded as the greatest all-around big man ever to play. It remained, however, for Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ), also 7 feet 1 inch, to most influence the rules. After his sophomore year (1966–67) at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), the dunk shot was banned from collegiate basketball, ostensibly because the rules committee thought, again, that the big men had too great an advantage. The rule was rescinded beginning with the 1976–77 season, and the dunk shot became an important part of the game, electrifying both fans and players.

So too have the small- and medium-size players affected the game’s development. Bob Cousy , playing at Holy Cross College and later for the Boston Celtics , was regarded as one of the game’s first great playmakers. He was among the first to use the behind-the-back pass and between-the-legs dribble as effective offensive maneuvers. Later such smaller players as Providence College’s Ernie DiGregorio, the University of North Carolina ’s Phil Ford, and Indiana’s Isiah Thomas proved the importance of their role. Between those two extremes are players such as Louisiana State University’s Pete Maravich , who set an all-time collegiate scoring record of 44.5 points per game in the 1969–70 season; Magic Johnson, the point guard who led Michigan State University to a championship in 1979 and the Los Angeles Lakers to several NBA championships; Oscar Robertson , a dominating performer for the University of Cincinnati in the late 1950s and for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1970s; Larry Bird of Indiana State University , a forward of exceptional versatility who led the Boston Celtics to several championships; and Michael Jordan , a great all-around player with the University of North Carolina in the 1980s who is widely considered one of the best professional players in the history of the sport.

Nothing influenced the college game’s growth more than television, however. The NCAA championship games were televised nationally from 1963, and by the 1980s all three major television networks were telecasting intersectional college games during the November-to-March season. Rights fees for these games soared from a few million dollars to well over $50 million by the late 1980s. As for broadcasting the NCAA finals, a television contract that began in 2003 gave the NCAA an average of $545 million per year for the television rights; this exponential growth in broadcast fees reflected the importance of these games to both networks and advertisers.

Profits such as these inevitably attract gamblers, and in the evolution of college basketball the darkest hours have been related to gambling scandals. But, as the game began to draw more attention and generate more income, the pressure to win intensified, resulting in an outbreak of rules violations, especially with regard to recruitment of star players.

The most identifiable phase of college basketball in America is the postseason tournament held in March—popularly known as March Madness . Interest in the NCAA tournament paralleled the growth of the game. The first basketball tournament was staged by the Amateur Athletic Union in 1897 and was won by New York City’s 23rd Street YMCA, later to become a traveling professional team known as the New York Wanderers. Although the YMCA was prominently identified with the game in its early years, it did not hold its first national tournament until 1923, and that event took place until 1962. The first national tournament for colleges was held in 1937 and was conducted by an organization in Kansas City, Missouri, that later became the NAIA.

New York City basketball writers organized the first National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 1938, but a year later the New York City colleges took control of the event. Until the early 1950s the NIT was considered the most prestigious American tournament, but, with the growth of the college-run NCAA championship, the NIT became a consolation event for teams that failed to make the NCAA selections.

The first NCAA tournament was played in 1939, and its growth took place in three stages. The first era ran through 1964, when it was essentially a tournament for champions of various conferences. There were just eight teams in the 1939 field, and by 1963 it had been expanded to 25 teams, all champions of their respective conferences, plus several successful independent teams. The most outstanding teams of the 1940s and ’50s participated in both the NCAA and NIT tournaments, but, after the gambling scandals that followed the 1950 NIT championship, a rule was passed prohibiting a team from playing in both. Afterward the NCAA tournament progressively outgrew the NIT.

In 1964 the second era dawned as the UCLA Bruins, coached by John Wooden , began a period of domination over the NCAA field. From that season until 1975 Wooden led his teams to 10 NCAA championships. Only championships won by Texas Western University (now University of Texas at El Paso) in 1966 and North Carolina State in 1974 interrupted UCLA’s reign. In the eyes of many, the UCLA dynastic period probably had a regressive effect on the game’s growth; a sport with such high predictability lost some of its attractiveness.

The third growth stage came with the end of UCLA’s dominance. Champions began to emerge from all sections of the country. From the field of 25 in 1974, the NCAA tournament expanded to 64 participants in 1985, to 65 in 2001, and to 68 in 2011 (corresponding “play-in games” were added in 2001 and 2011), including not only conference championship teams but other outstanding teams from the same conferences as well. Three weeks of play culminate with the Final Four weekend, an event now comparable in general public interest and media attention to the Super Bowl and World Series . Championships at the Division II, Division III, and NAIA levels also continued to grow in interest, reaping some of the fallout from the popularity of Division I.

About 17,000 high schools in the United States have basketball teams. All 50 states conduct statewide tournaments annually.

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The endless essay: The Philippines’ love affair with basketball

Allow me to warn you that this is a never-ending story; just like the subject itself which is a country’s unconditional love for a sport that hasn’t necessarily reciprocated in the same intensity.

Consider that a warning and consider this an intro.

Warning, because if you are a basketball-loving Filipino, this endless series can turn into an addiction — like your insatiable hunger to play that game wherein you splash an orange ball through an 18-inch diamater hoop.

Intro, because it is what this is. The first chapter of my writing odyssey as I dive and reacquaint myself with the sport, its history and story, and recollect why me and my people love it with no boundaries.

Welcome to The Endless Essay: The Philippines’ love affair with basketball.

Basketball is as synonymous to Philippine culture as sisig, San Miguel Beer, Manny Pacquiao and graft-and-corruption (sad but true). There’s just something about that sound when you hit nothing but the bottom of the net, the intensity of a sold-out basketball arena, the pressure of shooting the last shot with 2 seconds left and your team is down by one, or even in the act of performing a perfect crossover while trying to break your defender’s ankles– or jaw for the veterans (In Tagalog we call them: “ ma-gulang “)– that’s gotten Filipinos hooked worse than a junkie on crack.

Even the country’s most significant and prominent athlete, boxing’s current best fighter Manny Pacquiao, couldn’t hide his passion for the sport. During training, Pacquiao often butts heads with his trainer Freddie Roach because of restrictions regarding his basketball schedule. Roach himself insists, it’s a battle he can not win and thus has given in and allowed Pacquiao more rope when it comes to playing his favorite sport. Yes, even his trainer admits, if Pacquiao had a choice, he would rather be a pro basketball player- he didn’t.

Pacquiao hooping (AP Photo)

Unfortunately however, like many others similar to Manny, the game of basketball simply was not designed with the average Filipino physique in mind. I got one word for you: HEIGHT.

On the day God showered the Earth with the gift of “height” Juan Dela Cruz was in his bedroom sleeping. He was tired from hustling the previous day when God was giving away “speed”. If there were a 5’9 and under league, I’m willing to bet money right now that the Philippines would be among the world’s best. (Imagine this: Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks is 1/8 Filipino. His great grandpa was a full blooded Filipino according to his mom. With that said, Nate is 5’9 with shoes on. You already know which side of the family he got that from.)

Nate Robinson (AP Photo)

But somehow, the lack of height and size have not stopped Filipinos from pursuing and dreaming big in the sport they have fallen head over heels with.

You want to talk about real love for a sport? Just look in every street corner, you will find makeshift basketball courts all around the country. From the sidewalks, to the back alleys even in the cemeteries (refer to photo) as long as there is space- no surface, no terrain, no amount of hazard nor danger will stop Filipinos from playing ball. If you’re a Filipino but yet to have visited the Philippines and wonder why you love the game of basketball so much, all I can tell you is that,  “It’s in your blood”. In fact, allow me to cut this intro short. All this basketball talk is making me want to hit the court.

Until next time.. I’m out like Gilbert Arenas- because you know sooner or later, I’ll be back!

(To be continued… like I said, this is just an intro. Check back as we take a look at the Philippines’ rich basketball history, tradition, legends and superstars. Click on the slideshow below for a quick preview in pictures.)

Speaking of Gilbert Arenas… After visiting Manila in 2008, Arenas was so amazed at how much the Philippines love basketball and wrote this on his NBA Blog :

Manila Then we stopped in Manila. It was a different world. I’ve never seen fans like that in my life.  These pictures can’t even do justice to what was going on out there. I had a reception at a small, little venue to welcome me to the city and there were 200 people there.

One thing I want to say about Filipinos: they’re very warm people, very good-hearted people. Like,  everybody was nice. You know, you meet nice people, but a whole country of nice, genuine, warm-hearted people was unbelievable. These are diehard fans.

I really didn’t know if I was in Game 7 of a playoff series, I couldn’t tell the difference. Everywhere I went it was just bananas.

I also want to give a shout out to my man from Maryland who flew from MD to the Philippines and told me the reason he flew all the way out there was to get autographs from me because he knew I was going to be there at that date and time.

I did a couple mall tours. I also helped a kid with his wish. It was in one of the poverty areas in Manila and there’s a group called  GK that builds homes for people all over the world. They helped this community out by putting people in homes. I guess a couple weeks before we got there, a hurricane hit and destroyed their community and GK helped build it back up.

One little kid who lived there wanted a basketball court for his community so all the kids could play so I donated – with the help of GK and adidas – a basketball court to that community and the kid was very happy.

You have to look at the  Agent Zero posters they had out there. They put me in a cape at one of my last events in Manila. It was at one of their biggest malls and they were predicting it was going to be crowded. I mean, crowded to me is a Saturday afternoon at the mall where you have to wait in line for 10 minutes to pay for your jeans. Their crowded was probably four or five thousand people in the mall. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before, and I’ve seen crazy fans all over the world. It was like Golden State against the Dallas Mavericks with Game 3 back in Oakland. It was that type of atmosphere in the mall.

I was stunned.

They made me feel like an NBA star.

Any NBA players out there: If you’re having a bad day, or you’re having a bad career, go to Manila. They’ll bring your spirits up, trust me.

I felt like I just won the NBA championship, to be for real.

After we left the mall we were looking at pictures from the event a couple days later and we were telling ourselves, “Man, that was unreal!”

Plus, with the security I had, I felt like I was the President. I felt like I was Obama. I really felt like I was running in the presidential election, especially when I got to meet the U.S. ambassador out in the Philippines. We had a great time talking to each other.

Arenas in Manila (AP Photo)

We actually went to a college basketball game together. Their college game would be like if it was Duke and Maryland playing each other and you split the crowd in half, 50-50. One side of their gym was blue and one side of their gym was green and everybody was just yelling.

Backstage I met  Manny Pacquiao , he’s the town hero. I have to be honest, they made me feel even bigger than him at the moment. I talked to him and he invited me to his November fight, so if I have time and depending on if we have a day off, I might go see that. Oh, I also met Jet Li in Shanghai, can’t leave him out.

On top of everything else in Manila, I stayed at the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at –  The Peninsula . I was in the mack daddy “El Presidente” suite and was like the Fresh Prince with Geoffrey – I had a live-in butler.

One more note on Manila, just so you guys can get a picture of what kind of people they are and how much they adore and love entertainers and the NBA. Think about this: If you’ve ever been to a Beyoncé concert, or anybody’s concert in the states really, if they sell out an arena it will be 20,000 fans. Last year in Beyoncé’s hometown, Houston, she pulled in 12,000 people to her show. D.C. was her biggest sell, she put 18,000 people in the seats. Meanwhile, she was in Manila for two days to do two concerts and she had 85,000 people, two nights straight.

She couldn’t even do it in the arena, she had to do it on the lawn. Like, “Everybody, y’all just get in the grass, I’m going to perform.”

That’s how the people are out there.

Dennis “D Source” Guillermo is a freelance sportswriter. You can contact him through e-mail at [email protected].

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Essay on Basketball History

Students are often asked to write an essay on Basketball History in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Basketball History

The birth of basketball.

Basketball started in 1891. A physical education teacher named Dr. James Naismith invented it. He wanted a game that could be played indoors during winter. He hung a peach basket at each end of the gym and used a soccer ball. That’s how basketball began.

The Rules of the Game

At first, basketball had 13 rules. For example, players could not run with the ball. They had to throw it from the spot they caught it. Over time, these rules changed. Now, players can dribble and move around the court.

Basketball Spreads Globally

Basketball quickly became popular. Schools, colleges, and clubs started playing it. In 1936, it became an Olympic sport. Now, it’s played all over the world. The NBA, America’s professional league, is famous globally.

Women in Basketball

Women started playing basketball in 1892, just a year after it was invented. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) was founded in 1996. It’s the most successful women’s professional sports league in the U.S.

Modern Basketball

250 words essay on basketball history.

Basketball started in 1891. A man named Dr. James Naismith, a physical education teacher from Canada, invented it. He was trying to create a new game to keep his students active during the cold winter months. He decided to hang a peach basket on the wall. The goal was to throw a soccer ball into the basket. That’s how basketball was born!

Early Basketball Rules

The first basketball game was very different from what we know today. There were nine players on each team. The ball could only be moved by passing, not dribbling. If a team made a basket, they scored a point and the game was paused to get the ball out of the basket. In 1893, the first women’s basketball game was played.

Formation of Professional Leagues

Basketball became popular quickly. In 1936, it was included in the Olympic Games. In 1946, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) was formed. This was the first professional basketball league. In 1949, the BAA merged with the rival National Basketball League to form the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Today, basketball is played worldwide. The rules have changed a lot since Naismith’s time. Now, there are five players on each team. Players can dribble the ball and there’s a net instead of a basket. The NBA is the most famous basketball league, with teams and players known all over the world.

Basketball has a rich history. From a simple game with a peach basket and a soccer ball, it has become a global sport loved by millions.

500 Words Essay on Basketball History

Introduction to basketball.

Basketball is a popular sport, loved by many people around the world. It was invented by a man named Dr. James Naismith in 1891. He was a Canadian physical education teacher who was trying to create a new game to keep his students active during the winter while indoors.

The Inception of Basketball

Naismith wrote down 13 basic rules for this new game. He hung a peach basket onto the elevated track, and used a soccer ball as the first basketball. The aim was to throw the ball into the opposing team’s peach basket. The game was a hit from the start. Students loved it, and it quickly spread to other schools and colleges.

In 1936, basketball was included in the Berlin Olympic Games, giving it a global platform. In 1946, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) was formed. This was the first major professional basketball league. In 1949, the BAA merged with a rival league, the National Basketball League (NBL), to form the National Basketball Association (NBA). The NBA is now the world’s top professional basketball league.

Changes in the Game

Famous players.

Basketball has given us many famous players. Michael Jordan, a player from the 1980s and 1990s, is often called the best player of all time. He won six championships with the Chicago Bulls. In recent years, players like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry have also become famous. They have taken the game to new heights with their skills and talent.

Women also have a strong presence in basketball. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) was formed in 1996. It is the premier women’s professional basketball league in the world. Players like Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, and Maya Moore have made huge contributions to women’s basketball.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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A brief essay on my key issues book: the philippines: from earliest times to the present.

My AAS Key Issues in Asian Studies book— The Philippines: From Earliest Times to the Present —is intended to introduce readers to a nation originally named after a European prince. The people of the archipelago that now constitutes the Philippines had a long history before any European contact occurred. Since the latter part of the nineteenth century, Filipinos have experienced a wide range of encounters with the US. The Philippines was Asia’s first republic and then became a US colony after an American war of conquest and pacification, which some argue resulted in the deaths of 10 percent of the population. Almost a million Filipino soldiers and civilians, and approximately 23,000 American military, died in the war against Imperial Japanese forces.

There are at least two ideas that drive this book. The first is that the Philippines was not some isolated archipelago that was accidentally “discovered” by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Some residents of the Philippines had contact with “the outside world” long before European contact through trade with other Southeast Asian polities and Imperial China.

The second and more important theme is that vibrant cultures existed before outsiders arrived, and they have continued throughout the history of the Philippines, though perhaps not seen or simply ignored by historians and other scholars. The intrusion by the Spaniards might be seen to have changed almost everything, as did the American incursion, and to a lesser extent the Japanese occupation. This is not the case. But if one does not know what was there before, the focus may be upon the intruders—their religion, culture, economies, and the impact they had on the local population—rather than on Filipinos, the local inhabitants. While acknowledging the impact and influence of foreign occupations, I sought in the book to focus on Filipinos and to see them as not merely, or even primarily, reactive.

Beginning with the pre-Hispanic period, The Philippines: From Earliest Times to the Present seeks to present, briefly, the reality of an advanced indigenous culture certainly influenced but not erased by more than three centuries of Spanish occupation. The second half of the nineteenth century saw the emergence on two levels—peasants and elite—of organized resistance to that presence, culminating in what some call a revolution and finally a republic. But this development was cut short by the Americans. When a commonwealth was put in place during the fourth decade of American rule, this was interrupted by World War II and the Japanese occupation. After World War II, the Philippines once again became an independent republic with the growing pains of a newly evolving democracy and its share of ups and down, including the Marcos dictatorship.

The Philippines has emerged in the twenty-first century with a robust and expanding economy, and as an important member of ASEAN. And it has its issues. On November 7, 2013, the most powerful Philippine typhoon on record hit the central part of the archipelago, resulting in more than 6,000 deaths. President Rodrigo Duterte, elected in 2016, has caught the eye of human rights advocates as he has dealt harshly with a drug problem that is far more significant than most realized. Then there is the ongoing conflict with China over islands in the South China Sea. The Philippines has been and will continue to be in the news.

The Philippines: From Earliest Times to the Present depicts Filipinos as not passive or merely the recipients of foreign influences. Contrary to the title of Stanley Karnow’s 1989 book, In Our Image: America’s Empire in the Philippines, the Philippines is not made in anyone’s, including America’s, image. Teachers and students should find this book helpful, not only in dealing with the history of the Philippines but also in recognizing that often the histories of developing countries fail to seriously take into account the local population—their culture, their actions, their vision of the world. The Philippines is perhaps best known today in the West as a place with beautiful beaches and as a wonderful place to vacation. This book will show it to be much more than that.

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Olympics women’s gymnastics team final: Biles becomes the most decorated gymnast of all time as USA takes gold

What to know.

• Team USA won its first team gold medal in women’s gymnastics since Rio de Janeiro in 2016. USA won silver in Tokyo.
• USA's overall score was 171.296. Italy took silver and finished with 165.494, and Brazil took bronze with 164.497.
• Simone Biles battled through a calf injury to compete in all four events — bars, beam, vault and floor — and put the final touches on USA's win with her floor routine.
• Jordan Chiles also competed in all four events. Suni Lee competed in bars, beam and floor, and Jade Carey competed on vault. Hezly Rivera, the 16-year-old newcomer, did not compete but secured a medal with the team.

Peacock is streaming the Paris Olympics around the clock.  Learn more about accounts here . TODAY earns a commission on purchases. Peacock is owned by our parent company NBCUniversal.

Simone Biles sets the record straight, reveals their REAL team nickname

Samantha Kubota

After a video of the U.S. women's gymnastics team revealing their NSFW nickname for themselves went viral on Tuesday, Simone Biles is setting the record straight.

Earlier in the day at a press conference following their gold medal win, the team had said their unofficial nickname for themselves was “F.A.A.F.O.” which means “f--- around and find out.”

However, by 2 a.m. (on Paris time) Biles tweeted an update, writing that they wanted to be called the "Golden Girls."

"ok on the real though, the official team name is golden girls (because oldest olympic team)," she wrote, with a shoutout to "cecile," presumably Cécile Canqueteau-Landi, Biles' coach at World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas.

As Biles noted in her post, the "Golden Girls" team is one of the oldest the U.S. has sent to to the Olympics. Biles is 27, Jade Carey is 24, Jordan Chiles is 23, Suni Lee is 21 and Hezly Rivera is 16.

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Team USA gymnasts will appear on TODAY on Wednesday morning

Thanks everyone for following along with us for today's gymnastics coverage.

Join TODAY on Wednesday morning to hear from several of the U.S. women's gymnastics team who clinched the team gold medal on Tuesday during the 7 a.m. ET hour of the broadcast!

US women’s gymnastics on how they ‘embraced the moment’ this Olympics

Team USA's women's gymnastics team told NBC reporter Stephanie Gosk in the moments after their gold medal win that they were thrilled to have fans — and their families — in the stands to watch this time around after the Tokyo Games were limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This one is so different, I feel like we had so much fun this time, clearly," Suni Lee said. "It was so different, it was nice to be able to look up and see your family in the stands."

Simone Biles also added that there were so many fans in the stands that they had been "nervous we weren’t going to be able to hear our floor music and all of that."

"But we really just embraced the moment and had fun with it," she said.

Watch the full story below:

Simone Biles says she doesn't keep track of her medal count

In a press conference following her record-breaking Olympic win, Simone Biles revealed that she actually does not keep count of her own wins.

“I don’t keep count; I don’t keep stats,” NBC News reported Biles said. “I just go out here and do what I’m supposed to, and I’m doing what I love and enjoying it.”

“Honestly, I would have had to Google that,” she said when asked about becoming the most decorated American Olympic gymnast of all time.

She added that she doesn't believe she will "truly understand the depth of it until I walk away from the sport.”

Biles hasn't yet said whether she plans to compete in the next Olympic Games in four years. NBC News reports that at 27, Biles is the oldest U.S. Olympic gymnast in 72 years.

The 2024 US women’s gymnastics team has a new NSFW nickname

Liz Calvario

We now know the nickname for the  U.S. women’s gymnastics  team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. At a press conference on July 30 — in a  video  shared by Kendall Baker of Yahoo Sports — former Olympian Aly Raisman asked the women what they were calling themselves.

“Don’t say it, don’t say it,” the gymnasts — Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera — could be heard coming from the gymnasts, before Biles said, “I’m not going to say it.”

They went on to share the abbreviation of it: “F.A.A.F.O.” which means “f--- around and find out.”

Read the full story here.

Barack Obama congratulates Team USA gymnasts for winning gold

Former President Barack Obama is also feeling the Team USA pride following the women's gymnastics team's gold medal victory.

"Congrats to the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team for winning gold and to the GOAT @Simone_Biles for becoming the most decorated American gymnast in history!" Obama posted to his X account on Tuesday, quote tweeting the Team USA post from earlier.

U.S. women's gymnastics team share gold medal TikToks

In the immediate aftermath of the U.S. women's gymnastics team's big win on Tuesday, fans watching from home couldn't help but notice that Simone Biles and Suni Lee were excitedly planning their victory TikToks.

And now we have a look at them!

Biles shared a video of the team taking a bite out of their gold medals, captioned "TASTE GOLDEN ❤️🇺🇸💙."

"turned on post notifs the second I heard the plans 😭 congratsss girls 🥹🫶," the official TikTok account wrote in the comments.

And Lee shared a video of the team lip-synching to audio from the 2005 Grammys when then-Kanye West (now Ye) won best rap album.

"Everybody want to know what I would do if I didn't win," they mouth over the original audio. "I guess we'll never know."

At the end, they hold up their gold medals and pose with them.

"OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALISTSSSS 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️," Lee captioned the clip.

US women's gymnastics team celebrates Olympic gold from the top of the podium

Team USA's women's gymnastics has officially been crowned the gold medal winners of the team competition at the Paris Olympics.

Jordan Chiles, Hezly Rivera, Simone Biles , Jade Carey, and Suni Lee had the honor of standing at the top of the podium to receive their gold medals and listen to the "Star Spangled Banner."

Simone Biles becomes the most decorated gymnast of all time

Alex Portée

There's a reason why they call her the GOAT. Simone Biles led the U.S. women's gymnastics team to victory and earned her eighth Olympic medal at Tuesday's team final. The achievement made her the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history.

Biles made her Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, where she won gold in the all-around, team, floor and vault exercises and took home bronze for balance beam.

At the 2020 Tokyo Games, scooped up two more gold medals before withdrawing from the event after being faced with a bout of the twisties.

According to NBC News , Biles now has 38 world and Olympic medals combined.

Stephen Nedoroscik and the U.S. men's gymnastics team cheer on Suni Lee

One day after the U.S. men’s gymnastics team clinched the bronze medal, team members were captured on camera enthusiastically watching Suni Lee perform her masterful floor routine. Among them was  Stephen Nedoroscik, the team’s pommel horse expert,  who garnered the eye of social media in recent days. Nedoroscik and the rest of his teammates were seen cheering passionately for Lee as she showcased her skills.

Team USA wins gold as Simone Biles brings it home!

Scott Stump

Redemption complete! Simone Biles fittingly put the final touches on Team USA's first team gold medal in women's gymnastics since 2016 with her floor exercise routine.

After the heartbreak of the Tokyo Olympics, Biles returned to help the U.S. bring home team gold in Paris, sharing a joyous group hug with her teammates.

She basked in roars of "U-S-A! U-S-A!" after her performance, looking as relieved as she was excited.

"Now that's a comeback," NBC announcer Rich Lerner said.

Italy finished second for its first team medal in women's gymnastics since 1928, while Brazil earned its first team medal in history by taking the bronze.

The U.S. "turned disappointment into dominance," Lerner said.

Jordan Chiles delivers 'an absolute monster' of a floor exercise routine

In one of the biggest moments of her career, Jordan Chiles delivered an electrifying floor exercise routine that had the crowd at Bercy Arena clapping along.

She ended with tears of joy and a roar from the crowd, finishing with a score of 13.966 to put Simone Biles in position to wrap up the gold for Team USA. Like almost every performance by the U.S. today, she improved on her qualifying score of 13.866.

“An absolute monster of a routine for Jordan Chiles,” NBC analyst Laurie Hernandez said. “Quite possibly the best she could’ve done.”

A group of young gymnasts from Chiles' home gym were all dancing along to her routine while watching at the World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas.

You have to see what Jason Kelce is wearing at the Olympics

Elena Nicolaou

Jason Kelce is enjoying retirement.

The former Philadelphia Eagles center, who retired after the last NFL season, was spotted at the arena with his wife Kylie Kelce.

He appeared to be wearing a shirt with U.S. women's rugby player Ilona Maher, according to her Instagram story.

The two shared an earlier interaction where Maher convinced Kelce to be a women's rugby fan.

“I am officially a fan, women’s rugby, Olympics” he said.

“We got Jason Kelce,” Maher said, sparking cheers from others in the room with them.

Based on his outfit, her speech worked, clearly!

Suni Lee nails her floor exercise routine as Team USA nears gold

Team USA is closing in on the gold after Suni Lee turned in a score of 13.533 in the floor exercise, which is the final event of the competition.

"Oh, that was the best routine she could've done," NBC analyst Laurie Hernandez said.

Lee improved on her 13.100 score in the qualifying round. She performed to music by Lindsey Stirling, the same artist she used for her floor routine at the Tokyo Olympics when she won the all-around gold medal.

She got cheers from country star Keith Urban and his wife, Nicole Kidman, in the crowd.

Who is commenting on gymnastics for NBC?

NBC has two commentators for the team final.

Olympian Laurie Hernandez was part of the Final Five team at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016, along with Simone Biles. She took home a gold medal in the team event and a silver in the balance beam.

Rich Lerner is a longtime sports journalist and an anchor for Golf Central.

Team USA is up big going into the final event for the gold

Team USA is up big and looking to put the finishing touches on their first women's gymnastics team gold medal since 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

They lead second-place Italy by 3.602 points heading into the floor exercise, the last of their four events. Great Britain is in third, 4.967 points behind Team USA.

Simone Biles avoids a near fall on the beam to keep the U.S. in front

Simone Biles wobbled and nearly fell but recovered on her beam routine to finish with a solid score of 14.366 to keep Team USA in pole position for the gold.

"Any athlete would’ve fallen after that," analyst Laurie Hernandez said. "She was able to save it.”

Hernandez was holding her breath at one point.

"Oh, that scared me," she said.

Biles, who posted a 14.733 on the beam during qualifying, earned a round of applause from retired NFL star Jason Kelce and his wife, Kylie, in the crowd.

What to know about Simone Biles calf injury

The 27-year-old’s personal coach, Cecile Landi, said Biles' calf bothered her for a couple of weeks before the women’s qualification round on July 28, according to NBC News . Landi explained that the pain had subsided for a time up until the qualification round.

Ahead of competing in the event, Biles had her left leg taped during warm-ups for her floor exercise routine. Later, she was seen using her foam roller to massage the area.

Landi said after the qualifying round that there were no concerns about Biles being able to compete in the team finals. A reporter also asked the star gymnast after the qualifying round how she was doing .

“As good as I can be,” she responded, according to  CNN .

During qualifying, she turned in a strong routine on the balance beam before appearing to hurt her left leg while warming up for the floor exercise.

Despite the setback, she still posted the highest all-around score (59.566) of any gymnast in the qualifying round and had a top score on the vault (15.8) and floor exercise (14.600).

Biles withdrew from the team competition at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and only participated in the balance beam in the individual rounds after suffering a bout of “ the twisties .”

Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb went wild for Team USA

The TODAY co-hosts screamed and hooped inside the arena where the U.S. women's gymnastics team won gold for the women’s gymnastics team final.

Earlier at the event, the duo cheered on with gusto as they watched Suni Lee perform.

Guthrie and Kotb could be seen cheering and roaring with enthusiasm as the gymnast stuck her landing for the uneven bars.

"Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb were ALL OF US watching Suni Lee on bars!" reads an  Instagram caption  featuring a post of their reaction.

Suni Lee turns in her 'best' with a strong beam routine

Suni Lee put any fears of Jordan Chiles' fall on the beam snowballing with a sterling beam routine to earn a great score of 14.600.

"Her beam was a bit shaky in qualifications, but here, that was the best she could've done," analyst Laurie Hernandez said. "That is exactly what we like to see."

Lee leaped with joy and a beaming smile after sticking her landing and besting her qualifying score of 14.033.

The sisters of the Auburn University star were seen high-fiving and cheering in the crowd after her routine.

Jordan Chiles falls on beam — but it won't affect Team USA's chance of gold, Hernandez says

Jordan Chiles started her beam routine courting disaster by falling off the beam to the left, but recovered to finish without any other major mistakes for a score of 12.733.

Chiles shook her head as she walked back to the sideline.

NBC analyst Laurie Hernandez was asked if the low score will affect Team USA's chances of gold.

"No," she said. "It just won't. However, of course no one wants a fall to be counted."

Chiles posted a 13.600 on the beam during Sunday's qualifying round.

Simone Biles' husband, Jonathan Owens, is in Paris — wearing a Simone shirt

Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens has made it to Bercy Arena in Paris just in time to cheer on his wife, Simone Biles, and the rest of Team USA.

Owens posted a photo on his Instagram story from inside the venue ahead of today's competition after flying to Paris earlier today. He had an excused absence from the Bears' preseason training camp to come to France to watch Biles compete.

Biles also posted a photo on her Instagram story of Owens on the plane flashing her the peace sign with the caption, “Coming for you baby.”

Owens shared a quick video on Instagram before takeoff, saying he "can't wait to get there."

Biles has been looking forward to having Owens and her family in Paris compared to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, when spectators were not allowed.

“I think it’s going to be just like Rio, having family there to support whatever we need, but really just having fun, embracing that moment, making those memories,” she said on TODAY on July 17. “I’m excited that I get to do it with my family.”

Minutes before the competition was set to begin, he posted to his story again — this time, a snap of a crowded arena and an empty events space.

"Almost go time," he wrote.

Ahead of the event, he walked into the arena and showed NBC Sports his outfit: A shirt with Biles' name is bold red lettering.

Nicole Kidman sighting!

Does heartbreak feel good in a place like this? Ask Nicole Kidman as she watches the women's gymnastics team final. The actor and AMC spokesperson watched with her daughters and husband Keith Urban .

Suni Lee's sisters cheer for her after her uneven bars routine

Shyenne and Evionn Lee were spotted cheering for their sister, Olympian Suni Lee, after her uneven bars routine.

Suni Lee has five siblings, and all have ben seen supporting her at events.

Suni Lee struggles on uneven bars, but shows she's 'a fighter'

Suni Lee persevered through a mistake in the middle of her uneven bars routine on her way to still finish with a solid score of 14.566.

The reigning all-around Olympic gold medalist, who fell on the bars during warmups, briefly tapped her feet on the ground in the middle of her routine.

Lee, who overcame a kidney disease just to qualify for Paris, scored a 14.866 in the uneven bars in the qualifying round on Sunday.

"She shows often that she’s a fighter, and now she’s showing us on the mat," Hernandez said during her routine.

Team USA continues to look great in the early going.

"It's going to be OK for Team USA, nothing to worry about," Hernandez said about the overall quest for gold.

Natalie Portman among the celebs watching the women's gymnastics team final

Natalie Portman joins the likes of Serena Williams, Spike Lee and Michael Phelps at the Bercy Arena on July 30, watching nail-biting event after nail-biting event. Here, she's seen clapping ... and maybe letting out an exhale of relief.

Jordan Chiles’ parents feel every emotion as she competes

While Chiles, 23, performed at the women's gymnastics team finals, her parents, Timothy Chiles and Gina Chiles, were right there for every emotional twist and turn.

In the stands, her parents were spotted doing what NBC Olympic's X account described as the "mom and dad squirm" as she took to the uneven bars.

They were seen wriggling and shifting uneasily as she performed. When she was done, Chiles' father exploded into the air and proudly beat his chest.

After watching her execute her floor routine, Gina could be seen yelling, "Let's go!" before she burst into tears for her daughter.

Chiles' floor routine earned a score of 13.966.

Michael Phelps cheers on Simone Biles after uneven bars

It was a meeting of the Olympics legends. The world’s most decorated Olympian, Michael Phelps, cheered on Biles from the stands and applauded after she went on uneven bars, clapping enthusiastically.

"He gets it," Rich Lerner said.

"He's one of the few who does," Laurie Hernandez replied. She later said, "I always find it so exciting to watch mind-blowing watch the other."

'A slay': Jordan Chiles' makeup gets a gold

Jordan Chiles stuck the landing on uneven bars ... and did the same for her makeup look.

Online commentators are admiring the high-stakes intensity of the gymnastics team final, and her eye makeup! Chiles has white eyeliner and deep plum lips.

Simone Biles does 'more than enough' with her uneven bars routine

The crowd is roaring and Team USA is rolling after a smiling Simone Biles finished her uneven bars routine with a score of 14.400.

Laurie Hernandez said on NBC that it wasn't one of Biles' best uneven bars routines, but "for team finals, it is more than enough."

"The gap between her and everyone else is the size of the Grand Canyon," NBC announcer Rich Lerner said.

Jordan Chiles hits one of her 'best routines' in uneven bars

Jordan Chiles pumped her fists and yelled "Let's go!" after turning in a strong performance on the uneven bars that earned her an excellent score of 14.366, beating the 14.266 that she had in qualifying.

“If I could scream into a pillow right now I would," analyst Laurie Hernandez said. "I am so proud of her for getting up there and hitting one of the best routines Jordan Chiles could possibly do here in team finals."

Her routine drew cheers from her parents as well as Natalie Portman, Serena Williams and gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci in the crowd.

Laurie Hernandez gasps during Suni Lee's warmups

As Suni Lee was warming up during the uneven bars, she fell to the ground. Analyst Laurie Hernandez let out a gasp.

"Got to work on those involuntary actions," she said, with a laugh, comparing broadcasting to gymnastics.

Brazil's Flavia Saraiva cut her eye on a fall in warm-ups but still competed on uneven bars

Brazilian gymnast Flavia Saraiva went ahead with her uneven bars routine despite a fall on the bars in warmups in which she suffered a cut above her right eye.

"She left to get medical attention, but she is back," NBC announcer Rich Lerner said. "She's tough."

"There is nothing worse than not just falling in warmups but blanking out and having that moment replay in your mind right before competing," analyst Laurie Hernandez said.

Spike Lee gives Team USA standing ovation

Director Spike Lee was seen cheering on Team USA as they entered the arena.

Team USA's floor exercise music, explained

Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles and Suni Lee all are doing floor routines at the Olympics today.

Chiles' floor routine is set to a Beyoncé medley, various songs include "Black Parade," "End of Time," "Renaissance" songs “My House" and “Energy,” plus “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child.

Biles' also includes Beyoncé — and Taylor Swift, too. Her set features "...Ready For It?’ and "Delresto (Echoes)" by Travis Scott ft. Beyoncé.

Suni Lee's floor routine is set to "Eye of the Untold Her” by Lindsey Stirling.

A 'massive exhale' after Simone Biles continues Team USA's strong start on the vault

Simone Biles continued the early momentum for the U.S. team with a 14.900 in her vault.

"Solid, safe, and cheers," NBC announcer Rich Lerner said on the broadcast.

Vault was the event in which Biles withdrew from the team competition in Tokyo, so she's showing it's a much different story on the "redemption tour" in Paris.

"This was as good as Team USA could kick off the competition for them," analyst Laurie Hernandez said. "I bet gym fans and new fans alike have let out a massive exhale after seeing her do this."

Jade Carey competes on vault, her only event

Jade Carey, the third gymnast, took her position at the vault following a sickness. She followed teammate Jordan Chiles.

She had a 14.666 in qualifications, which is "quite a nice score," according to presenter Hernandez. Ahead of her performance, her coach (and dad) Brian Carey looked on.

Her score was 14.800.

Jordan Chiles starts on vault

Jordan Chiles got Team USA started on vault with a strong score of 14.400, besting her score of 14.333 in the qualifying round.

"Wow, incredible start for Team USA," NBC analyst Laurie Hernandez said on the broadcast after Chiles' vault.

Why Hezly Rivera, 16, won't be competing for Team USA today.

The newest addition to Team USA's star-studded lineup will not be competing today barring an injury to a teammate that requires her to step in.

The 16-year-old from New Jersey, who is the youngest Olympian in any sport on the U.S. team, will not compete after finishing behind Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles and Suni Lee in Sunday's qualifying round.

Only three gymnasts can compete in each of the four events for each team in the finals. Every score counts in the finals, compared to the qualifying round, where teams can drop the worst of their four scores.

Rivera competed in uneven bars and balance beam during qualifying, finishing behind three of her teammates in both events. Her 13.9 ranked 20th overall in the uneven bars and her 12.633 on the balance beam ranked 46th.

Rivera still gets a gold medal if the U.S. takes the team title, making her one of the younger gold medalists in the history of the U.S. team.

Team USA is in the building!

Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera and Jordan Chiles made their entrance at Bercy Arena in Paris around 12:16 p.m. ET.

Biles, Lee, Rivera and Chiles wore white sweat suits. Carey entered in her sparkly red, white and blue leotard. They immediately began warming up.

What are the twisties, and can Simone Biles get them again?

Simone Biles had to drop out of the last Olympics due to the "twisties."

The phenomenon happens when a gymnast is in midair and loses their sense of where they are and how they’ll land, raising the risk of serious injury. Biles described it as being “lost in the air" during an April  episode  of the  podcast “Call Her Daddy”  with  Alex Cooper .

She described the sensation in further detail, likening it to being unable to control a car you drive daily.

“Your mind and your body are at a disconnect. Your body is going to try to do something, and your mind is going to be like, ‘No, you’re not doing this,’” Biles said, adding that in her case, she had no airbags and no seatbelt: “I am my car.”

Biles, who experienced the twisties before the Tokyo Olympics, said the reason for it was likely stress and other psychological factors.

“(The pressure) feels heavy,” she told  TODAY’s Hoda Kotb  in 2021. “It’s like the weight of the world on your shoulders and I’m very small, so I feel like, at times, it’s very overwhelming, but whenever you get so overwhelmed and have triggers, it’s just like — I have to focus on my mental wellbeing and that’s what I did.”

This Olympics, Biles appears to be unhampered by the twisties, and powered through a calf injury to post the highest all-around score of any gymnast in Sunday's qualifying round.

Read more here.

All the records Simone Biles can set if Team USA wins gold

Another medal of any kind would make Simone Biles the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast of all time with eight.

She enters today's competition with four gold medals, two bronze and one silver in her Olympic career, which ties her with former two-time Olympian Shannon Miller at 7 Olympic medals. Biles' four gold medals are already a U.S. record for women's gymnastics.

Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history between world championships and the Olympics with 37 total medals.

The 27-year-old superstar would also be the oldest woman to win an Olympic medal in gymnastics in U.S. history.

Winning team gold would give her an outside shot at tying former Soviet Union gymnast Larisa Latynina for the Olympic record of nine gold medals.

Biles would have five career gold medals, with potentially four still up for grabs. She has qualified for the individual all-around vault, balance beam and floor exercise events on Thursday.

Which event could determine if Team USA wins gold if the final is close?

The U.S. enters as a strong favorite to run away with the team gold medal after besting its closest competitor, Italy, by more than five points in the qualifying round.

However, if contenders like Italy, China and Brazil are neck and neck with Team USA throughout the competition, it could come down to the floor exercise for the U.S. to clinch gold.

Floor exercise is the last of the four events for Team USA after vault, uneven bars and balance beam. Two of the biggest stars in the event, Simone Biles and Brazil's Rebeca Andrade, finished 1-2 in the floor exercise during qualifying, although Biles had a big gap (14.6 compared to 13.9 points) as the top performer.

Team USA's Jade Carey is the defending individual gold medalist in floor exercise from the Tokyo Olympics, but she will not be competing in the event today. She finished 74th in qualifying with a 10.633 after struggling mightily while feeling under the weather .

That means Biles, Jordan Chiles and Suni Lee will be the ones to bring it home in floor exercise. The event is a strength for Chiles, who finished third in qualifying, while Lee took 24th.

The hope is that the loss of Carey in the event doesn't make it a nerve-rattling finish for Team USA. Even with her struggles in the qualifying round, Team USA still built a big enough lead to win handily.

Brazil and Italy each had three gymnasts in the Top 13 in the floor exercise during qualifying.

What is the Biles II? All about Simone Biles' breathtaking vault

The term "signature skill" for Simone Biles is not just an expression. She actually has five gymnastics skills named after her and another one pending as she continues to push the boundaries of the sport.

None of them may be more spectacular and gravity-defying than the Biles II on the vault, which will be Biles' first event in today's team finals.

She nailed a Biles II during the qualifying round on Sunday on her way to a 15.8, the highest score on the vault of any gymnast.

The breathtaking maneuver involves a back handspring off the vaulting table into a double pike, which is two rotations of the body in pike position.

She became the first gymnast to ever land that combination in an international competition at the 2023 world championships on her way to winning the all-around title. The skill was dubbed the Biles II and has a maximum 6.4 difficulty rating.

No other gymnast in the world has ever completed one in international competition. The degree of difficulty is so high that even if Biles has points deducted for hopping back on her landing, it doesn't dramatically affect her score.

She also has a Biles II on the floor exercise, which involves two flips and three twists and requires immense power to get her high off the floor.

In case you're wondering, the Biles I is a double layout with a half-turn in the floor exercise. There's also a Biles I on the vault, which is a roundoff with a half-twist onto the vaulting table followed by a front double full somersault off the table.

Panama's Hillary Heron, 20, became the only other gymnast to do a Biles I in the floor exercise at the Olympics when she did it during the qualifying round on Sunday.

Who is Team USA's biggest competition for the team gold medal?

The U.S. squad enters as a heavy favorite to win gold. This is the first time in Olympic history that two previous individual all-around Olympic gold medalists enter on the same team, between Suni Lee (2020) and Simone Biles (2016).

Italy finished second behind the U.S. during qualifying, but it was a distant second in gymnastics scoring at more than five points. The Italians have not won a team gymnastics medal in the Olympics since 1928.

Jade Carey said she hasn't been feeling well and Biles appeared to be dealing with a lower left leg injury , and Team USA still dominated qualifying. If they are able to repeat that performance and Carey is feeling better today, the U.S. will be very hard to beat.

China and Brazil are also considered a threat. China last won team gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Brazil has never won a medal in the Olympic team competition, but is led by all-around star Rebeca Andrade .

The team champion from the Tokyo Olympics, the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), is not competing in Paris because of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Team USA was the heavy favorite to win in Tokyo before Biles withdrew from the team competition.

China last won team gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Jade Carey has been battling sickness. How is she now?

The 24-year-old gymnast told Olympics.com that an undisclosed illness led to her falling during the floor exercise, the event that earned her a gold medal in Tokyo.

“I just have not been feeling well the past few days and haven’t been able to eat or anything,” she said.

She continued, “I had, like, no energy today and didn’t really have a sense of what was going on in my head. So, I just kind of wanted people to know that so, they know that there’s actually something wrong.” 

Carey's mom gave an update on TODAY July 28, saying, “She’s doing much better today. Trying to hydrate, get some food in, ready to go.”

Carey won't get a chance to defend her gold in the floor exercise but she did qualify for the women's vault final.

NBC analyst Laurie Hernandez says Simone Biles is 'doing OK' and ready to perform in the team finals

NBC Olympic gymnastics analyst Laurie Hernandez said on TODAY this morning that she heard Team USA's practice yesterday was "completely normal" amid worries about Simone Biles' calf and Jade Carey's health.

Biles appeared to be fighting through a lower left leg injury during Sunday's qualifying, while Carey struggled in her signature event, the floor exercise, and later said she wasn't feeling well . Hernandez, who was part of the 2016 U.S. Olympic team that won gold in Rio de Janeiro, said there shouldn't be concerns heading into today's team finals.

"From what I heard practice yesterday went completely normal, which is exactly what we want to hear," she said. "I know after watching qualifications there was some worries and speculations about Simone’s calf and what’s going on there. But from what we’re hearing, she’s doing OK. She’s going to get out there on the competition floor and do what we know Simone Biles can do best."

Team USA enters as a heavy favorite to win the team title.

"This team is so fierce and has said multiple time and time again they’re going for gold, and I’ll think we’ll see that happen later today," she said.

A key will be getting off to a good start in their first event, the vault. Biles posted the highest score of any gymnast (15.8) in that event in the qualifying round.

"We’re looking for confidence, we’re looking for minimal wobbles, and hopefully no landing deductions," Hernandez said.

Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles danced along with Snoop Dogg to get into the Paris Olympic vibe

Leave it up to Snoop Dogg to break any tension as Team USA women's gymnastics goes for the team gold.

The famously laid back rapper and beloved Olympic commentator had stars Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles busting out dance moves during the qualifying round on Sunday, bringing a whole other vibe than the tension of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Chiles and Biles caught a glimpse of Snoop dancing in the crowd and couldn't help but groove along with him. Spectators weren't allowed at the Tokyo Olympics, but one spectator in particular has made all the difference in Paris.

“Anybody have any more fun than Snoop? I don’t think so,” announcer Terry Gannon said during the broadcast.

Read more about Snoop's time at the Olympics.

What celebrities are watching the women's gymnastics team final?

Elena Nicolaou and Scott Stump

The women's gymnastics qualifying round was among the places to be at the Paris Olympics, so look for plenty of famous faces in the crowd at Bercy Arena today with a gold medal on the line.

Among the attendees in the qualifiers?

Tom Cruise, fresh off his meeting with Hoda Kotb , enthusiastic commentator Snoop Dogg , Lady Gaga of Olympics opening ceremony fame, Oscar winner Jessica Chastain and her children, rocker Nick Jonas, singer John Legend and wife Chrissy Teigen, " Wicked" co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo , actor couple Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, Nina Dobrev and her Olympian partner Shaun White, and more.

On July 30, the celebrities kept coming in.

Which U.S. gymnasts are competing in which events?

Each qualifying country selects three gymnasts to choose to compete in each event. Here's how Team USA is shaking out during this team final.

• Vault : Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, Simone Biles
• Bars : Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles, Suni Lee
• Beam : Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Simone Biles
• Floor : Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles

Which Team USA gymnasts are competing in the final?

All the big names on Team USA will be combining together to try to bring home their first team gold in eight years.

Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and Suni Lee, who all competed in the Tokyo Olympics, will be in action.

No more than three gymnasts from the same team can compete in a single event, by Olympic rule. Newcomer Hezly Rivera, 16, who is also eligible to compete in the team final, did not finish in the top three on the team in any event during qualifying.

The pressure is on all of them because no bad scores can be dropped from the overall team score, which is a rule that was instituted at the 2004 Olympics. That means if someone falls or has a disastrous routine, that score will count to the overall score, leaving the door open for another team to win by just having all of their gymnasts perform clean routines.

There are 12 total routines per team (three gymnasts each in four events) in the finals.

The road to the final: How teams qualify

Twelve teams competed on Sunday, with the eight highest-scoring teams advancing to today's competition.

Teams competed in vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise, with the scores from each event being added up for a cumulative score. Five gymnasts from each team can compete in the four events in qualifying, with no more than three in a single event.

The three highest scores from each team in each event count toward the team score in qualifying for the team final. Using the vault as an example, the top-three scores by Simone Biles (15.8), Jade Carey (14.666) and Jordan Chiles (14.333) gave Team USA a score of 44.799 in the vault in the team qualifying.

Then the team scores of all four events are added together for a cumulative score.

Team USA finished with the highest qualifying score at 172.296, followed by Italy with 166.861. Qualifying scores do not carry over to the finals.

Here's everything to know about the format .

Which teams qualified for the women's team final?

The top eight women's squads reached the team final after Sunday's qualifying round, led by Team USA.

In addition to the United States, the other qualifiers are Italy, China, Brazil, Japan, Canada, Great Britain and Romania.

The U.S. team won the qualifying rounds by a large margin of more than five points, but team scores revert to zero for the finals, so nothing from qualifying carries over.

When are the women's gymnastics team finals? How to watch

The action gets underway at 12:15 p.m. ET at Bercy Arena in Paris.

The order of events is what's known as the Olympic order, which is vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and then floor exercise.

Team USA and Italy, who qualified No. 1 and No. 2, will start on vault and then progress through the three other events in that order (bars/beam/floor).

China and Brazil will start on the uneven bars, Japan and Canada will start on the balance beam, and Great Britain and Romania will start on the floor exercise. 

The team final will be live on NBC and streamed live on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com , the NBC Olympics app and the NBC app.

Scott Stump is a trending reporter and the writer of the daily newsletter This is TODAY (which you should subscribe to here! ) that brings the day's news, health tips, parenting stories, recipes and a daily delight right to your inbox. He has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing features and news for pop culture, parents, politics, health, style, food and pretty much everything else. 

Elena Nicolaou is a senior entertainment editor at Today.com, where she covers the latest in TV, pop culture, movies and all things streaming. Previously, she covered culture at Refinery29 and Oprah Daily. Her superpower is matching people up with the perfect book, which she does on her podcast, Blind Date With a Book.

Alex Portée is a senior trending reporter at TODAY Digital and is based in Los Angeles.

Sam Kubota is a senior digital editor and journalist for TODAY Digital based in Los Angeles. She joined NBC News in 2019.

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The Most Stylish Olympic Opening Ceremony Ever

Paris raised the fashion stakes for the XXXIII Olympiad, and even with the rain, the result transformed the Seine into a watery runway.

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By Vanessa Friedman

Even before the XXXIII Olympiad officially began, the litany of firsts was enormous. The first Olympics in Paris in a century. The first with equal gender participation. The first opening ceremony, ever, en pleine air. The first sponsored by a global luxury behemoth.

The first Olympics in which fashion was so central to the identity of the host country itself.

The opening ceremony featured not only a red carpet at the entrance but offered a full-blown runway show in the middle of vignettes devoted to the history and spirit of the country, including the French Revolution and the reconstruction of Notre Dame. As the monuments of Paris — the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, the Place de la Concorde — provided the backdrop to the event, style was at its heart.

The bar was set as soon as it was announced that LVMH would be a premium partner. The goal, according to Thomas Jolly , the Games’ artistic director, was to “shed light on French savoir-faire,” broadly defined. They did it with cabaret and heavy metal, dance, acrobats and 1,800 outfits from brands both new and old. From the start, it was clear the fashion competition stakes would be raised for every other national team.

It’s tempting, during an Olympics, for teams to resort to the usual uniform of blazer and chino in national colors (yes, we’re looking at you, USA and Ralph Lauren), to default to the basic athleisure warm-up suit (hello, Italy in Emporio Armani and Canada in Lululemon) or to fall into a trap of national stereotype (Bermudans in Bermuda shorts).

But by the time the Olympic cauldron had risen aloft beneath a hot-air balloon, and Celine Dion had begun to belt beneath the Eiffel Tower, and despite the rain that had pelted down requiring mass distribution of ponchos, it was clear the most memorable looks belonged to the teams who played their own fashion game. Not to mention the attendees who dressed for the occasion, and the brand that turned out to have been the secret couturière to the celebrity performers.

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