James Naismith
James Naismith is best known as the inventor of the sport of basketball.
Doctor
November 6, 1861
Scorpio
November 28, 1939
78
Almonte, Canada
Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian-American physical educator, physician, and sports coach, is renowned for inventing basketball. He authored the original rule book for the sport and established the University of Kansas basketball program. In addition to his contributions to basketball, Naismith was a physical education author, chaplain, and physician. His accomplishments include being awarded the Order of the British Empire and induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Although initially hesitant to use the name “basketball” for his creation, he eventually embraced it.