His athleticism, leaping ability, and tactical mastery of the game made Henderson a natural center, the most crucial position in basketball back when each made basket was followed by a jump ball.
He first learned basketball in 1904 at Harvard University while attending a summer physical training class for gym teachers. Upon returning to Washington, DC, Henderson promptly introduced the game to Negro students in the segregated public school system there. It was the first time African Americans had played basketball on a wide scale basis, earning Henderson the distinction as the "Father of Black Basketball" and DC as the "Birthplace of Black Basketball."
Henderson later formed the first all-black athletic conference, the Interscholastic Athletic Association (ISAA) and soon organized a basketball team for the local Twelfth Street Colored YMCA, which he led to an undefeated season and the 1909-10 black national title.
A year later, seeking more fans, Henderson successfully petitioned nearby Howard University to adopt his squad as it's first varsity basketball team, which promptly won the Colored Basketball Championship, again going undefeated.
Henderson's contributions to the game are gaining attention and consideration for his enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame is building in momentum, although more publicity in support of his induction is still needed. |
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