History of Basketball

In which city was the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) organized in 1932?

Who presented the medals to the top three teams at the first Olympic basketball tournament in the 1936 Berlin Olympics?

When did the U.S. winning streak in Olympic basketball end?

Which team finished as runner-up in the 1976 Olympics basketball tournament?

What was a significant difference between the American team and some other countries' teams in early Olympic basketball tournaments?

What team won the gold medal in the 1980 Olympics after beating Italy in the final?

Which country's victory in the 1992 Summer Olympics featured an average winning margin of 44 points per game?

In which Olympic Games did Argentina defeat the United States in the semifinals en route to a gold medal finish?

Which country's victory in 2008 involved beating the reigning FIBA world champions, Spain, in an intense gold medal game?

Which team met the United States in the 2012 gold medal game but lost?

FIBA Organization and Early Olympic Basketball

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) was organized in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1932.
At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, the medals for the top three basketball teams were presented by Avery Brundage, who was the president of the International Olympic Committee.

Olympic Basketball Milestones

The U.S. winning streak in Olympic basketball ended in 1972, when they lost to the Soviet Union in a controversial final.
The Soviet Union finished as the runner-up in the 1976 Olympic basketball tournament, losing to the United States in the final.

Team Differences and Notable Victories

A significant difference between the American team and some international teams in early Olympic tournaments was that American players were college athletes, while many international players were professionals or more experienced.
The Soviet Union won the gold medal in the 1980 Olympics by defeating Italy in the final match.

Dominant Performances

The United States basketball team at the 1992 Summer Olympics had an average winning margin of 44 points per game, showcasing their dominance in the sport.
Argentina defeated the United States in the semifinals of the 2004 Olympic Games, going on to win the gold medal.

Recent Olympic Achievements

In 2008, the United States claimed victory over reigning FIBA world champions, Spain, in a tightly contested gold medal game.
Spain met the United States in the 2012 Olympic gold medal game but ultimately lost to the Americans.

Test your knowledge of the history of basketball, from its invention in Springfield, Massachusetts by James Naismith in 1891 to its spread across the United States and globally. Learn about the establishment of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the first Olympic basketball tournament in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.