User:Jaytos/sandbox

HISTORY
Basketball was invented in 1891 by a Canadian named Dr. James Naismith. The first basketball was made of panels of leather stitched together with a rubber bladder inside. Dr. James Naismith used a unique cloth lining was also added in order to support and to provide identity to the ball or uniformity. Basketball teams that represent Canada have been participating in Olympic games since 1936 and had been in the world championships since 1954. The Edmonton Commercial Graduates, who are a a group of Canadian women, have been put down in history for dominating the sport in the 1920's, 30's and 40's. The Edmonton grads had played a total of five hundred twenty-two games against both men's and women's teams and were successful in achieving a on hundred and forty seven win streak, and won five-hundred and two of the five-hundred twenty-two games. The Nba's (National Basketball Association) first game ever was played in Toronto over fifty years ago, on November 1, 1946. The Toronto Huskies went against the New York Knickerbockers but lost 68-66 at the Maple Leaf Gardens. The Toronto Raptors, formerly known as the Toronto Huskies, and Vancouver Grizzlies joined the NBA at the beginning of the 1995-96 season, becoming the first non-U.S. cities to join the league.

POSITIONS
In basketball, there are several positions which are given to certain individuals to produce a good team.
 * Point Guard - The role of the point guard is said to be similar to the role of a director in a movie. The point guard's main role is to make plays and to direct the offence. In other words, it is the point guard's job to get the ball to his teammates in the best position in order for them to make a basket. The point guard is usually the best dribbler and passer on the team. They are typically the smallest and fastest player on the team. They are usually judged by how they get the ball to their teammates which results in assists.
 * Shooting Guard - The team typically relies on the shooting guard to be able to make perimeter shots and provide shots from the outside. The shooting guard is usually taller than the point guard and referred to as the two guard or the off guard.
 * Small forward - The small forward is usually a good scorer as well as a strong defender. That being said, the small forward must be versatile in order to complete his/her task. The small forward must be big enough to defend on the inside but quick enough to play on the perimeter. The Small forward is also referred to as a three man.
 * Power Forward - This position typically is used for the more physical aspects of the game: rebounding and defence. The power forwardusually the physically strongest on the team. The power forward can also be referred to as a post player, meaning he spends a lot of his time in the post. (close to the basket)
 * Centre - The centre is one of the most important positions on the team. The team relies on him on both sides of the court. When in offence, the team relies on the centre to score closer to basket. While in defence, he must be able to block shots as well as rebound. The centre is usually the tallest player on the team. The centre is usually referred to as "big man" or post player.