– Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving to Appear at Youth Clinic and College Basketball Doubleheader at MassMutual Center –
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will celebrate World Basketball Day on Saturday, December 21, commemorating the 133rd “birthday” of the sport’s invention by Dr. James Naismith in Springfield, Mass.
“World Basketball Day celebrates the impact of basketball and the game’s unique ability to unite a global community,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Let us not forget the day (December 21) also marks the birth date of basketball, invented by James Naismith in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, at the YMCA International Training Academy. His modest invention has become a worldwide phenomenon that is unparalleled in sport. We are honored to commemorate this milestone here in Springfield, where it all began, with a series of events that will inspire the next generation of basketball players and fans.”
A series of events are planned to mark this special occasion:
Youth Basketball Clinic
A select group of young fans will participate in a basketball clinic led by Pope Francis Basketball Head Coach Justin Dalessio at "The Jerry Colangelo Court of Dreams" at the Hall of Fame. The clinic will feature a special appearance by Hall of Famer and Vice Chairman of the Board Julius "Dr. J" Erving.
Note: The Youth Basketball Clinic is an invitation-only event and not open to the public.
Bench Dedication
A bench will be dedicated at Mason Square in Springfield, the site that commemorates the first-ever basketball game. Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame President & CEO John L. Doleva and Julius Erving are scheduled to appear at this ceremony.
MGM Springfield Basketball Hall of Fame Classic, presented by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
The day’s celebration will culminate with an exciting college basketball doubleheader featuring Rhode Island vs. Temple and UMass vs. ArizonaState. Julius Erving, a UMass alumnus, will be recognized for his outstanding contributions to the sport during the Minuteman-Sun Devil matchup.
About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 450 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com, follow @hoophall, or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.