John Coy 
Hoop Genius 
How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball

Taking over a rowdy gym class right before winter vacation is not something James Naismith wants to do at all. The last two teachers of this class quit in frustration. The students-a bunch of energetic young men-are bored with all the regular games and activities. Naismith needs something new, exciting, and fast to keep the class happy-or someone’s going to get hurt. Saving this class is going to take a genius. Discover the true story of how Naismith invented basketball in 1891 at a school in Springfield, Massachusetts.