College Basketball: The Original Rules

In the United States, college basketball has gained quite a following nationwide.  Now, with the immense popularity of the NBA and its superstars, many students are looking to get noticed in college basketball recruiting, to play in college teams and even perhaps in the NBA.

The original basketball rules set by Naismith are a testament to the prudence and insight of their creator. The evolution of the game lead to a modern sport in which traits such as agility, strength, hand-eye coordination, lateral quickness, and vertical leaping ability are sought in a basketball player. In 1891, Naismith had seen thatthese characteristics were required for the competitors in his new sport.  The language of his original rules run thus: "The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands ... The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands, but never with the fist ... A player cannot run with the ball.... The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it, allowance to be made for a man running at good speed.... The ball must be held by the hands. The arms or body must not be used for holding it ... No shouldering, holding, pushing, striking or tripping in any way of an opponent."

In the 1891 rules, provisions for both a five-second period were allowed, in which a player was permitted to inbound the ball.  The concept of player fouls was also established in the original rules, with two provisions that continue in the rules of modern basketball. It is evident that the spirit of the Naismith set of regulations remains intact today.

The Internet has proven to be a useful venue for both students in college basketball and coaches involved in the process of college basketball recruiting.  There are many websites and online forums wherein students and scouts can come together and interact.  D1Athletes is an online community wherein high school athletes and coaches alike can share and exchange information they need during college basketball recruiting.  D1Athletes offers them a place to build an online presence and gain important public exposure.