1939 in basketball

none May 2026 1939 Events March 22 – Undefeated LIU tops undefeated Loyola of Chicago in the championship game of the second annual National Invitation Tournament, 44–32. LIU's 24–0 final record is the first perfect season of college basketball's postseason tournament era. March – The first NCAA tournament is played (operated by the NABC at the time). On March 27, the University of Oregon defeats Ohio State University 46–33 in Evanston, Illinois, to become the inaugural champions of this tournament. The third European basketball championship, Eurobasket 1939, is won by Lithuania. The seventh South American Basketball Championship in Rio de Janeiro is won by Brazil. Israel national basketball team joins the FIBA. Tournaments College Men USA 1912 NCAA NCAA tournament: Oregon 46, Ohio State 33 Most Outstanding Player: Jimmy Hull, Ohio State National Invitation Tournament: Long Island 44, 1938 men Loyola Ramblers Loyola (IL) 32 USA 1912 NAIA NAIA: 1938 men Southwestern Moundbuilders Southwestern (KS) 32, 1938 men San Diego State Aztecs San Diego State 31 Births January 21 — Tom Stith, All-American at St. Bonaventure University (died 2010) June 9 — Dick Vitale, College basketball announcer July 24 — Walt Bellamy, Hall of Fame center (died 2013) Deaths November 28 — James Naismith, Inventor of basketball (born 1861) References