John Naismith was a Canadian physical educator, physician, and sports coach, best known for inventing the game of basketball in 1891. He developed the sport as a way to keep his students at the YMCA active during the winter months. Naismith created 13 basic rules for the game and hung a peach basket at each end of the gymnasium as goals. Naismith's invention quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of organized competitions. He later became the first coach of the University of Kansas basketball team and was instrumental in promoting the sport. Naismith's contributions to athletics earned him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.