Basketball Trivia Test Questions!

Reviewed by Danielle Shafer

Danielle Shafer, Basketball Coach |

Review Board Member

Danielle Shafer holds a Master's degree in Marketing from the University of Nottingham and a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management and Coaching from Urbana University. With a passion for sports education and community involvement, she volunteered at Special Olympics events from January 2012 to teach basketball and directed camps like the Wayne High School Basketball Camp in May 2012.

, Basketball Coach

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| By Mbbradford

Mbbradford

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Quizzes Created: 4 | Total Attempts: 7,640

Questions: 10 | Attempts: 5,993 | Updated: Dec 14, 2023

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Basketball Trivia Test Questions! - Quiz

Basketball – it’s one of the most popular sports in the world and is excellently represented on a global scale with leagues like the NBA and the NCAAB being watched not just in the United States, but all across the globe, providing entertainment for everybody as two teams attempt to outplay each other on the court. Think you know enough about basketball to pass this quiz? Let’s find out.

Questions and Answers

1.

Who invented basketball?
- A.
  
  Dr. James Naismith
- B.
  
  Micheal Jordan
- C.
  
  Logan Smith
- D.
  
  None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Dr. James Naismith

Explanation
Dr. James Naismith is credited with inventing basketball. He was a Canadian physical education instructor who created the game in December 1891. Naismith developed basketball as a way to keep his students active during the winter months. He wrote down 13 basic rules and hung a peach basket on the wall as the first basketball hoop. Naismith's invention quickly gained popularity and spread to other schools and countries. His contribution to the development of basketball makes him the correct answer to this question.

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2.

Why were backboards made?
- A.
  
  To help with a players shot
- B.
  
  To stop a person to interfere with the shot
- C.
  
  So they could dunk easier
- D.
  
  Because people were complaining it was hard to shoot
Correct Answer
B. To stop a person to interfere with the shot

Explanation
Backboards were made to prevent interference with a player's shot. By having a backboard behind the basketball hoop, it acts as a barrier and prevents individuals from blocking or interfering with the ball as it approaches the hoop. This ensures a fair and uninterrupted shooting process, allowing players to focus on their technique and accuracy without the risk of interference from others.

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0
1
3.

When was the first offical game played on?
- A.
  
  February 17,1892
- B.
  
  December 32, 1892
- C.
  
  January 20, 1892
- D.
  
  March 13, 1892
Correct Answer
C. January 20, 1892

Explanation
The correct answer is January 20, 1892. This date is the only option provided that falls within the acceptable range of possible dates for the first official game to be played. Since the question asks for the date of the first official game, it can be inferred that the other dates (February 17, 1892, December 32, 1892, and March 13, 1892) are incorrect.

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4.

What color was the first basketball?
- A.
  
  Orange
- B.
  
  Green
- C.
  
  Purple
- D.
  
  Brown
Correct Answer
D. Brown

Explanation
The first basketball was brown because the original basketballs were made from brown leather. Over time, the color of basketballs has evolved to become predominantly orange, but the initial basketballs were indeed brown in color.

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5.

When did dribbling eventually come to basketball?
- A.
  
  1901
- B.
  
  1892
- C.
  
  1930
- D.
  
  1925
Correct Answer
A. 1901

Explanation
Dribbling became integral to basketball in the early 1900s, transforming the game. It empowered players to maneuver strategically with the ball, introducing a dynamic element. This evolution elevated basketball strategy, making dribbling a fundamental skill and an exciting aspect of the sport's rich history.

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1
0
6.

If you got a basketball from the company Spalding what would the basketball be made out of?
- A.
  
  Slick material
- B.
  
  Leather
- C.
  
  Sheep
- D.
  
  Wood
Correct Answer
B. Leather

Explanation
The basketball from the company Spalding would be made out of leather. Leather is a common material used in the production of basketballs due to its durability, grip, and ability to maintain its shape. It provides a smooth and comfortable surface for players to handle and shoot the ball.

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7.

How long have the NBA all-star games been going on?
- A.
  
  Since 1952
- B.
  
  Since 1385
- C.
  
  Since 1951
- D.
  
  Since 1892
Correct Answer
C. Since 1951

Explanation
The NBA All-Star games have been going on since 1951.

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2
0
8.

How many players from each team can be on the court during a basketball game?
- A.
  
  3
- B.
  
  5
- C.
  
  7
- D.
  
  9
Correct Answer
B. 5

Explanation
In a regulation basketball game, each team is allowed to have five players on the court at a time.

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9.

What is the time limit for a team to advance the ball past half-court in the NBA?
- A.
  
  8 seconds
- B.
  
  10 seconds
- C.
  
  12 seconds
- D.
  
  15 seconds
Correct Answer
A. 8 seconds

Explanation
In the NBA, a team has 8 seconds to advance the ball past half-court after gaining possession.

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10.

In basketball, what is a ‘traveling’ violation?
- A.
  
  Moving with the ball without dribbling
- B.
  
  Throwing the ball out of bounds
- C.
  
  Blocking an opponent
- D.
  
  Shooting from behind the three-point line
Correct Answer
A. Moving with the ball without dribbling

Explanation
In basketball, ‘traveling’ is a violation that occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of their feet illegally. Most commonly, a player travels by illegally moving their pivot foot or taking two or more steps without dribbling the ball.

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Danielle Shafer |Basketball Coach |

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

Current Version
Dec 14, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team

Expert Reviewed by
Danielle Shafer
Feb 07, 2011

Quiz Created by
Mbbradford

Basketball Trivia Test Questions!

Who invented basketball?

Why were backboards made?

When was the first offical game played on?

What color was the first basketball?

When did dribbling eventually come to basketball?

If you got a basketball from the company Spalding what would the basketball be made out of?

How long have the NBA all-star games been going on?

How many players from each team can be on the court during a basketball game?

What is the time limit for a team to advance the ball past half-court in the NBA?

In basketball, what is a ‘traveling’ violation?