July 16

From Hoopedia

• 1892 - The Chicago Inter Ocean newspaper reports that a new game, "basket ball" has been introduced at the West Side YMCA and "is becoming infectious."

• 1979 - Right: Robert Douglas, organizer and coach of the New York Rens basketball team passes away at age 97. He and his team are both members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was the first African American to be inducted into the Hall.

• 2001 - Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks center, scores 20 points, grabs nine rebounds and blocks three shots to lead the Western Conference to an 80-72 victory over the Eastern Conference in the third WNBA All-Star Game. Leslie is awarded her second All-Star Game MVP Award for her efforts.

• 2008 - Brandon Jennings signs a contract with Italian team Virtus Roma, becoming the first American to go directly from high school to a European pro team.