Basketball season is arriving, so let’s take a brief look at the history of this great game.

Basketball was invented by James Naismith in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Naismith, a physical education instructor at the YMCA International Training School (which eventually became Springfield College), wanted to create an indoor sport to condition athletes during the winter months. He also wanted a sport that was less injury-prone than football.

He certainly achieved his goals. Basketball caught on quickly with student athletes, coaches and multiple schools. It soon became popular abroad. In 1893, the first international basketball match was organized, and basketball continued to spread worldwide.

By 1900, most major colleges were fielding a team, and in 1905 formal collegiate basketball rules were introduced. In 1909, basketball became one of the official sports of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Basketball is now one of the most popular sports in the world. It provides excellent athletic training for players and great entertainment for spectators.

Here’s some silly basketball humor for fans of the game.

• What is the favorite restaurant of most basketball players? Dunkin’ Donuts.

• I couldn’t figure out why that basketball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

• Basketball players are all very messy eaters, because they are always dribbling.

• Who is the favorite poet of most basketball players? Longfellow.

• Many basketball players avoid vacations because they don’t want to get caught traveling.