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Baseball

Men's Olympic basketball became an official sport in 1936 at the Berlin Games. The tournament was held outdoor on courts of clay and sand. On the day of the final it rained heavily, turning the courts to mud, which made it difficult to dribble and undoubtedly contributed to the low score of 19-8. In the end, the United States defeated Canada for the gold.

In 1989 the Federation Internationale de Basketball Amateur (FIBA) membership voted to allow professionals to join amateurs in the Olympics. Women's basketball made its Olympic debut at the 1976 Games in Montreal, Canada. The Soviet women won the gold medal, and the U.S. women took home the silver medal.

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Scoring
Foul shots count for one point and ordinary field goals, or "baskets", count for two points. A field goal is worth three points if it is shot from outside the three-point field goal line. Play consists of two 20-minute halves, separated by a halftime break.

There are several differences between U.S. and Olympic basketball. The Olympic court is slightly smaller than the court used in the United States. The popular U.S. "alley oop" shot (a pass received near the basket rim by a leaping player who jams the ball in the basket while still in the air) is not allowed in Olympic play. However, "goal tending," (touching the ball while it's on the rim) is allowed in Olympic Games but not in the NBA.

News, History, and Fast Facts

  • For complete information about playing, coaching, and watching basketball, visit EdGate's School Athletics Center: Basketball page.
  • Did you know that James Naismith invented basketball with hoops made of peach baskets? Find out more on the history of basketball at the USOC site, learn more about the athletes or read up on the rules of the game.
  • The official site of the Games, the Athens 2004 site, contains schedules, rules, and a look at the best competition around the world.
  • The world's ruling body for basketball, the International Basketball Federation , and U.S.A. Basketball will keep you informed of news about amateur athletes and national teams.
  • The I.O.C. Basketball site has history and a glossary.
  • Check out the Basketball Mania site made for kids and by kids.

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General Sports Links
Olympians will compete in dozens of sports this summer. Even though Gateway to the Summer Games can't feature them all, you can learn about each and every one by visiting the sites listed below.


Portions of the above text were excerpted from Share the Olympic Dream--Volume II.
© 2001 by Griffin Publishing Group/United States Olympic Committee.

For information on purchasing Griffin materials, please visit the Griffin Publishing Group Web site at http://www.griffinpublishing.com.

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