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The Rules of Korbball
Hermann writes a rule book on "Korbball," which is basketball. American sayings and phrases were not adopted at that time in Germany. Basketball doesn't gain popularity until decades later. Now, Korbball is its own sport, but is very similar to basketball. -
P.E. Teacher Introduces The Game of Basketball
Physical education teacher August Hermann holds the first basketball game in the city of Braunschweig, Germany. -
Basketball Becomes Part of P.E. Classes
Fast forward to 1921, basketball is added to the curriculum for physical education for girls. However, few schools participated, and basketball remains a small sport. -
Basketball Gains Major Traction in Germany
Hermann Neibuhr, later to be known as "The Father of German Basketball," returns to Germany to push the sport of basketball. He goes to different schools and universities, implementing basketball into their lives. Basketball is being played all over Germany. -
Basketball Takes Off
In 1935, basketball becomes an organized sport in Germany. In April of 1935, there are four organized basketball teams, which would later increase greatly. -
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The Great Basketball Boom
Germany held the summer Olympics in 1936, and basketball was not only played, but received media coverage. In 1937, a massive 153 organized basketball teams had emerged in Germany. Finally, in 1939, the first national championships were held in Germany. -
German Basketball Federation
The German Basketball Federation is formed in 1949, another monumental step in the emergence of basketball in Germany. -
Basketball in War-Ruined Germany + EU Championship
1951 was a big year for basketball in Germany with the help of the United States. In protest to the Soviet Union, the U.S. had the Harlem Globetrotters perform in Germany. It was the largest crowd to ever watch a basketball game, amassing 75,000 spectators. Also in 1951 was Germany's first appearance in the European Championship for basketball. Germany placed 15th of 18 teams. -
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The German Basketball League
The German Basketball League is founded in 1964. Its inaugural season is 1966, and 10 teams compete for the championship. Today, the German basketball league has 18 teams. -
Basketball in Germany Today
Today, basketball is one of the most popular sports in Germany. With help from the United States, Germany not only receives but produces basketball talent around the world. NBA players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Franz and Mortiz Wagner, and current Detroit Piston Dennis Schroeder are from Germany. A still growing sport in Germany, basketball will only get more popular.