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As I sit here watching a UST game, I can't help but marvel at how Dr. James Naismith's creation has evolved into this global phenomenon. The Canadian physical educator probably never imagined his simple peach baskets would one day produce talents like Akowe, whose development Phillips recently praised despite being rivals. That's the beautiful paradox of basketball - it creates fierce competition while fostering genuine appreciation for growth and potential.

What many don't realize is that Naismith invented basketball in 1891 with just 13 basic rules, originally designed as an indoor winter activity for his students at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. The first game used a soccer ball and two peach baskets nailed to the balcony railings. They had to retrieve the ball manually after each score - imagine the constant interruptions! Yet from these humble beginnings emerged a sport that would capture hearts worldwide. I've always found it fascinating how Naismith emphasized character development over winning, something modern basketball could learn from.

The evolution from those peach baskets to today's high-flying game is nothing short of remarkable. We've gone from that first 1-0 final score (yes, just one basket in the entire game!) to players regularly scoring 30+ points per game. The transformation reminds me of Phillips' comments about watching Akowe develop - "I'm just really excited because rookie pa lang siya this year, but how he's going to adapt especially him coming from the juniors, it's a testament to how good of a player he is." That sentiment echoes Naismith's original vision of sports as a vehicle for personal growth. Personally, I believe this developmental aspect gets overlooked in today's highlight-reel obsessed culture.

Naismith lived to see his invention included in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, yet he remained remarkably humble about his creation. He never sought to profit significantly from basketball and focused instead on its educational value. The sport's global spread - reaching approximately 450 million players worldwide by my last count - would likely astonish him. What I find most inspiring is how basketball maintains its core values while adapting to different cultures. Whether it's the Philippines' passionate college basketball scene or the NBA's global reach, the game still creates those mentor-mentee relationships like the one between Phillips and Akowe.

Looking at today's game, I sometimes wonder what Naismith would think about the three-point revolution or players like Stephen Curry redefining shooting ranges. The original court was half the size of modern courts, and there was no three-point line until 1979. Yet the fundamental beauty remains - that combination of individual skill and team coordination that makes basketball so special. The way young players develop today, moving from junior levels to professional ranks while earning respect from opponents, perfectly embodies Naismith's original ideals. His legacy isn't just in the rules or the equipment, but in those moments of genuine sportsmanship and development that continue to define the game.