The growing popularity of basketball resulted in improvements of the equipment. The metal hoop, which replaced the peach baskets, was introduced in 1893 and the backboards that support the hoops were introduced in 1895. Because of these new improvements, the athletes had to improve their skills. The skills they perform now are very complicated and attract millions of people world wide to the games.
By the 1920's, basketball was being played all over the United States in tournaments, backyards and old run-down parking lots. Some colleges held competitions for boys mostly and before long, colleges were building arenas especially for basketball.
Colleges like the University of North Carolina, Western Kentucky, Kansas University, U.C.L.A. and Indiana University are great colleges but they are mostly known for their skillful basketball teams. The skill in these teams are so outstanding that they attract over 30 million spectators per season.
Women have also been playing basketball since the 1890's but did not receive serious recognition until the 1970's as most teams failed financially.