“...we play all over Canada in the pre-season and the support is crazy. The fans are knowledgeable and you can see their passion for the game.” - Masai Ujiri (Gatehouse, 2016). Masai Ujiri’s response when a reporter asked him about managing, the only National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise in Canada. His response displays the increased support for the Toronto Raptors and the rise in popularity of Canadian basketball since he has taken the general manager position (Gatehouse, 2016). James Naismith, a Canadian, invented the game of basketball when he moved to New England. He wanted an indoor game during winter months to help him and others stay active and physically fit. In 1898, the first professional basketball league was formed …show more content…
In 1979, the NBA introduced the three point line as a chance to score more points during a possession, which later on proved to be a great addition to the game (McNamee, 2013). But, it was not until the late 1980s and 1990s when the play of Michael Jordan sparked popularity and growth in countries all around the world with his high flying dunks. Today, Stephen Curry is revolutionizing basketball with his long range shooting ability. Steph’s ability to score from anywhere on the court, has forced teams and players to follow his footsteps and adapt to his style of play. With the rise of basketball globally, basketball still remains most played in the United States.
Although basketball is most popular in the United States, three major factors have continued to increase the popularity of basketball in Canada (McNamee, 2013). The major factors have been, recent Toronto Raptors’ success, more Canadian players being drafted into the NBA, and a rise in immigration rate to Canada since the 1970s. Because of this, Canadian youth have shown an increased interest in basketball over the past
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The campaign unfolded to be a huge success for the organization and saw a spike in viewership on television; fan support both inside and outside the Air Canada Center grew significantly (2015, Stinson). This suggests there has been a surge in basketball fans and improvement in Canadian youth player development over the past decade, especially in within the last three years. To add to that, this has also lead to increased scouting from the United States and more recognition for Canadian basketball players trying to play for elite basketball universities or colleges like Kansas or
Although many youngsters fail in the NBA, there are a few high school players who have had, or do have a successful career in the NBA. Some of these are, Moses Malone, Kobe Bryant, Tracey McGrady, and this year’s most valu...
...st in the country the CIAU still decided that Halifax should become the host for the Final 8 tournament. The 90’s brought professional basketball and along with it, increased interest in the game, as participation levels reached new heights. As we move into 2002 basketball is still very much a marquee sport in this province and its rich heritage ensures that it will be treasured for a long time to come.
Since the beginning of the National Basketball Association’s history, the number of foreign players has increased exponentially. As a matter of fact, a record ninety-two foreign players from 39 different countries and territories were active on NBA rosters at the beginning of the current season (NBA Tips Off 2013-14 Season with Record International Player Presence”). In today’s game, foreign and international players have become a common site and are fundamental parts of many NBA teams. Ever since Italian-born, Canada raised Henry Biasatti stepped foot on a National Basketball Association court, international talent has become an important part of a, now global, NBA. International players such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan, and Dirk Nowitzki have contributed to the league with All-Star selections, Most Valuable Player awards, and even Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals. There’s no doubt, international talent has turned the NBA into a diverse, ultra-competitive professional sports league.
When I think of what it means to be Canadian, one of the first things that come to mind is hockey. This is true for many Canadian’s as hockey was and is an integral piece of the formation of the national identity. However, when people think of playing hockey their attention usually turns to the men in the National Hockey League or other top men’s leagues and tournaments. Even so, Canada has come a long way from its beginnings, when women were not even considered persons under the law until 1929. While it has taken many decades for women to receive more recognition in the world of sport, today shows great improvements from the past. A key reason that women are not treated the same way as men in regards to hockey is due to how the game began;
Although the 1992 Olympic Men’s Basketball Team is considered the greatest assemblage of professional athletes in history, the Dream Team does have its critics. Regardless of the bureaucratic problems that stemmed from allowing NBA players to compete in the Olympics, many benefits were reaped by intertwining the two associations. Even though the basketball that was played with the Dream Team did not differ fundamentally, it changed the game of basketball forever because it respected the historical values, inspired young basketball players to pursue their NBA and Olympic dreams, and it treated book reviewers to an action-packed topic whilst also changing international basketball for the better.
Terrence and Jordin Tootoo grew up in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, in Canada’s arctic region. They were like other Inuit children in Rankin Inlet in many respects: They were brought up to respect the customs of their people and they enjoyed the resources the land around them provided- they learned to hunt and fish for food like the others. However, the brothers were also different from their peers in one main respect- they were blessed with a love for the game of hockey, and also with extraordinary amounts of talent which would enable them to leave their native community to pursue the dream of professional hockey. While the brothers were growing up they were inseparable; however, after leaving Rankin Inlet to pursue the professional game their respective careers took strikingly different paths. Jordin’s journey took him to the top- he was drafted into the National Hockey League and signed a lucrative contract with the Nashville Predators. However, Terrence’s road to the professional ranks was filled with hardship and tragedy, ultimately resulting in his suicide in August of 2002. The contrasting paths taken by the brothers is an illustration of how professional sporting careers can have varying impacts on the lives of Native American and Canadian athletes and their communities. In the following few paragraphs I will outline the history of Native Americans and Canadians in sports. I will examine how successful Native athletes are able to help their communities, both financially and by serving as role models for younger Natives. Also, I will argue that their still exist barriers and challenges to Native athletes that do not confront other athletes. For example, Native athletes are often placed under increased scrutiny because of their positions as role models. I will conclude by commenting on how Native athletes fit into pro sports today, and speculate on what can be done to increase the amount of success enjoyed by Natives.
The San Antonio Spurs redefined basketball in terms of their play on the court and their ability to be profitable despite being in a small market. They have to be very good on the court for them to generate revenue unlike the big market teams like the New York Knicks who struggled on the court but are #1 in brand value and revenue generation. Their team brand of basketball is not the popular version compared to the rest of the NBA, which has more flashiness and spectacular plays. However, critics and the NBA as a model franchise appreciate them. They continue to be a model team with no off field issues and are heavily involved in the local community. Prominent NBA writer, Kevin Arnovitz, chronicles the current Spurs dynasty with an important question to all the basketball fans: Do you care about the San Antonio Spurs? (7).
December 21, 1891- The birth of basketball. It has been changed from simply shooting a soccer ball into a peach basket to dunking a seven pound, leather ball into an iron rim. In the early years of the game, basketball was not as popular as other sports. In the 1985 NBA draft all this would change with the emergence of a 6'6" basketball phenomenon from Wilmington, North Carolina. Although going third in the draft, he recreated the game and is known as the best player to ever touch a basketball; he is Michael Jordan.
Global BC, "The NHL in Winnipeg: the economic impact." Last modified May 31, 2011. Accessed January 8, 2012. http://www.globaltvbc.com/the+nhl+in+winnipeg+the+economic
High school and college basketball players have started to enter the NBA earlier and earlier as the year's progress. In general, this is resulting in a negative effect to the college programs, the NBA, and the players themselves. Before 1994 there were usually only eight to ten early entries into the NBA. The number grew to 18 in 1995, and an astonishing 40 players in 1996, and 47 in 1997. The number of early entries in the NBA grows to the point where it is a problem that needs to be dealt with by the NBA players association. College basketball is in serious trouble. Of course, any sport would be when it's marquee s...
Some of these factors include high costs and time commitment of hockey participation, increasing violence issues in hockey and diversity. Although other factors, may be negatively impacting the view of hockey to some, the information from Forum 1 outline how hockey is crucial to the Canadian identity. NHL hockey teams and professional players influence youth hockey players and Canadians by uniting people, and allowing young hockey players the opportunity to see their individual potentials. If hockey in Canada wishes to continue it’s growth, these challenges will have to be addressed as hockey is becoming more expensive to participate in. As a result the sport is becoming less assessable to lower income families, which could be negatively influencing participation rates as other alternatives aside from hockey are being chosen for youth. The sport can be seen as violent, which also may be straying participation to other “perceived safer” sports. There is also racism that is demonstrated in hockey, which occurs in most sports. Canada will have to create plans to reduce the racism in hockey to ensure equal treatment to all
The link between basketball and globalization is represented through the connections within the team. The mix between Chinese and international players in a way demonstrates China's step towards being a part of global culture. The development of basketball in China stands for globalization; the mobility of the sport allows cultural mobility. The national honour and pride is represented through the nation's ability to succeed in sport. The popularity of sports allows the success to be recognised around the
Steve Nash is one of best point guards to play basketball. His determination, passion and generosity inspired many young Canadians to be like him on and off the court. He faced huge odds such as his height, fans of his teams booed him during his early years, but he managed to overcome them and that is why he is considered and inspiring Canadian. Determination is a huge factor of any inspiring Canadian, and there is no exception for Steve Nash as his determination is one of the best among Canadian Athletes.
...sponsible for assisting thousands of players reach different levels of basketball that has helped build the game of basketball. This in turn has spurred an economic impact in the sense that it has led to the construction of infrastructure like stadiums and eventually other amenities like hotels, roads, and security. In addition, it generates revenue through ticket sales, and advertising. It has also helped in providing employment opportunities (Impact Basketball Camp Programs).
Did you know three of the world's most popular sports were created right here in Canada? Our fine nation is the birthplace of three major sports: hockey, lacrosse and basketball. From the humble beginnings of playing with a ball and stick on ice, to playing a spiritually based game to honour one's creator, to wanting, to keep young phys ed students conditioned using a peach basket and a soccer-style ball, these three athletic pursuits were all established by Canadians. This is how these three sports came to be.