Basketball is a sport in which two teams of five players each try to score points on one other by throwing a ball through a hoop (the basket) under organized rules.

Since its invention in 1891, it has developed to become a truly international sport. Organized league play originated in the YMCA and early leagues were formed in colleges. Basketball eventually became a professional sport and is one of the few women's sports which developed in tandem with men's. Even though it was originally an American sport, it quickly spread internationally and outstanding players and teams are found today all over the world.

Points are scored for passing the ball through the basket from above; the team with more points at the end of the game wins. The ball can be advanced on the court by bouncing it (dribbling) or passing it between teammates. Disruptive physical contact (foul) is not permitted and there are restrictions on how the ball can be handled (violations).

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NYT > Pro Basketball

Lawyer Says Donaghy Will Not Meet N.B.A.’s Investigator
Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:24:57 -0000
Tim Donaghy will not meet with the N.B.A.’s investigator who is examining the league’s antigambling policies and officiating program.
Garden Juggles Its Management Lineup
Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:45:17 -0000
Madison Square Garden shifted Steve Mills, the president of MSG Sports since 2003, to a new role as the president of business operations for MSG Sports Teams.
Former N.B.A. Referee Is Sentenced
Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:35:11 -0000
Tim Donaghy, the former N.B.A. referee who admitted to betting on games he officiated, was sentenced to 15 months in prison on Tuesday morning.
Knicks Trade Balkman, Former First-Round Pick
Tue, 29 Jul 2008 05:52:02 -0000
Renaldo Balkman was traded to the Denver Nuggets on Monday for guard Taurean Green, forward Bobby Jones and a second-round draft pick in 2010.
Lawyers Ask for Leniency, Citing Donaghy’s Addiction
Tue, 29 Jul 2008 05:41:03 -0000
Lawyers for Tim Donaghy, the disgraced N.B.A. referee, said his sentence should be be limited because he had no control of his gambling habit.
After Sitting in 2004, Ready to Stand and Deliver
Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:14:08 -0000
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, who were witnesses to USA Basketball’s meltdown in Athens, will be the linchpins of the team this year.

SI.com - NBA

Ian Thomsen: Team USA won't win gold without a sweat
Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:48:12 -0400
Team USA will win the gold medal -- but it won't come easy, writes SI.com's Ian Thomsen, who breaks down the biggest threats to Coach K's band of stars.
Heat guard Williams reaches deal with Clippers
Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:24:16 -0400
Read full story for latest details.
Cavs-Celts to open 08-09
Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:56:51 -0400
Read full story for latest details.
U.S. arrives in Beijing amid near pandemonium
Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:13:20 -0400
Read full story for latest details.
Agent: Boykins inks $3.5M deal with Italian club
Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:50:18 -0400
Read full story for latest details.
Team USA struggles past Aussies in last tuneup
Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:44:07 -0400
Read full story for latest details.

ESPN.com - NBA

Ford: Top international prospects at Olympics
Chad Ford Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:45:28 -0700
Ricky Rubio of Spain leads the field of NBA draft prospects competing at the Olympics, Chad Ford writes.
Report: Hawks F Smith signs $58M offer from Griz
ESPN.com news services Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:07:18 -0700
Hawks restricted free agent Josh Smith has signed a five-year, $58 million offer sheet with the Grizzlies, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Friday.
76ers center Smith tears ACL; season in question
Associated Press Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:23:19 -0700
Philadelphia 76ers center Jason Smith sustained a knee injury that could cause him to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season.

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