Early History the failure of the pioneer NBL to last for more than two seasons just before the turn of the century set the pattern for the professional leagues that followed. In the 1920's, however, the sport was helped considerably by the activites of the famous Original Celtics. This club dominated professional basketabll during that era.

Outstanding Players. Among the early great professionals were such men as Jack Beckman, Nat Holman, Joe Lapchick, and Nat Hicky. As the professional game became more popular, increased numbersof college stars entered the sport. In 1950, Goerge Mikan, of the Minneapolis Lakers, was the greater player of the first half-century. Other outstanding professionals have been Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, and john Havlick of the Boston Cletics, wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, and Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers: Oscar Robertson of the Cincinnati Royals; Rick Barry of the Golden State Warriors; Wills Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBussdhere, and Earl Monroe of the New York Knincks; Karrem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers; David Thompson of the Denver Nuggets; Julius Erving of the Philadelphia 76ers; pete Maravich of the New Orleams Jazz, and Bill Walton of the Portland Trail Blazzers.