The game of basketball was invented in December of 1891 by Dr. James Naismith. It all started with a peach basket, 18 players and a ball. Back then, basketball was simple. It consisted of 13 basic rules that everyone followed. Over time the game evolved, and I’m sure if you were to tell Dr. Naismith in 1891 that basketball was going to be as big as it is today, he would have laughed at you. However, if you were to tell Dr. Naismith that the game evolved into a competition among players of the same team who can shoot the most impressive shot, he would scoff at you. Why? This is not what basketball was meant to be.

Basketball is a team sport. It takes everyone to be able to win the game. If you’re shooting the ball, you need your center to be in their position to be able to get the offensive rebound if you miss. Even if you wanted that three, everyone can admit two points is better than none. You also need your other teammates to defend you when you’re driving to the basket, which has the ability to give you easy points if you’re open and smart about it. Passing goes hand in hand with this as well. You have to pass the ball because you won’t always be open. There is a defense, you know? Though there are obvious star players (Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, LeBron James), they cannot win the game all on their own. Even LeBron has said basketball is about being a team; it’s not about the individual.

It’s almost painful to watch some games nowadays due to kids thinking that they can make a sloppy three pointer. I’ve watched countless teams lose because there was one ball hog that was trying to make the SportsCenter Snapchat story the next day. It’s especially infuriating when their teammates are open and they could’ve made an easy field goal. People nowadays want to be the big man on their team, which is completely understandable. I want to be LeBron too, but when it comes down to it: no one will remember you if your team can’t even make the NCAA tournament.

All in all, basketball has turned into a somewhat selfish sport, which was never supposed to happen. Basketball is about teamwork, athleticism and passion. It’s not about being the star, it’s about winning the game. In the words of Herm Edwards, “You play to win the game!” You can’t win without a team and a level head to make smart decisions.