James NaismithAs a physical education instructor at Springfield (Mass.) College in the winter of 1891, Naismith was asked to come up with a game which would occupy students' time between football and baseball.
As a former rugby player, he tried to incorporate that game into an indoor contest. Passing the ball, rather than tackling, was instituted and he placed peach baskets above the players' heads for goals. From this beginning, basketball evolved into today's game.
His innovations in sports did not stop with basketball. As a football player at Springfield under Amos Alonzo Stagg, Naismith complained of bruised ears from rough play. He took a football, cut it lengthwise and placed it over his head to protect his ears. Thus, the first football helmet was invented.
Naismith, the "Father of Basketball," is the only Kansas basketball coach to have a losing record. Dr. Naismith compiled a 55-60 record as the Jayhawks' first coach.
Naismith joined the KU faculty in 1898 and later became the director of physical education. He retired from active teaching in 1937 and died in 1939 at the age of 78.
The National Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, Mass., is named for him. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1959. He is buried in Lawrence, Kan., in Lawrence Memorial Park Cemetery.
Teams:Basketball (Men's) 1899 [Head Coach]Basketball (Men's) 1900 [Head Coach]Basketball (Men's) 1901 [Head Coach]Track & Field (Men's) 1901 [Head Coach]Basketball (Men's) 1902 [Head Coach]Track & Field (Men's) 1902 [Head Coach]Track & Field (Men's) 1903 [Head Coach]Basketball (Men's) 1903 [Head Coach]Track & Field (Men's) 1904 [Head Coach]Basketball (Men's) 1904 [Head Coach]Track & Field (Men's) 1905 [Head Coach]Basketball (Men's) 1905 [Head Coach]Basketball (Men's) 1906 [Head Coach]Track & Field (Men's) 1906 [Head Coach]Basketball (Men's) 1907 [Head Coach]National Hall of Fame1959 - Basketball (Men's)
