THE SYNOPSIS

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY 

BIRTH OF BASKETBALL

DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Created, Produced & Directed by Stephen “Stix” Josey

Birth of Basketball is a documentary series that journeys back to Springfield, Massachusetts — the birthplace and Mecca of basketball — to honor the vision, values, and legacy of Dr. James Naismith, the man who created the game in 1891.

From the historic gymnasium where basketball began to the neighborhoods, schools, courts, and communities that helped shape the game, the series explores how Naismith’s simple idea grew from one city into a global phenomenon.

At the heart of the series is a powerful invitation: bring the world back to Springfield to pay homage to the man and the place where it all began. Through conversations with legendary players, coaches, historians, community leaders, and basketball icons from around the world, Birth of Basketball connects the global game to its roots.

With Springfield College and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as important pillars of the story, the series celebrates Springfield’s historic role while examining the impact basketball has had on generations of people across the world.

This is more than a story about a sport.

It is a story about a vision, a legacy, a city, and a game that changed the world.

BIRTH OF BASKETBALL

WHERE THE GAME WAS BORN.

WHERE THE WORLD COMES TO PAY HOMAGE.