James Naismith By Grouchynad Nov 6, 1861 Naismith born Period: Nov 6, 1861 to Apr 24, 1996 James Naismith 1891 Naismith invented Basketball 1891 Naismith invented the football helmet 1896 First College Basketball games 1904 First African American Basketball League 1925 Naismith got US citizenship 1932 Harlem Globetrotters formed 1932 First international basketball conference 1936 Basketball is included in the Olympics 1946 NBA was created 1959 Naismith inducted into the Basketball hall of fame Apr 24, 1996 WNBA created