President's Message

Dr. Priscilla Tu

Happy Spring AOASM Family!

I hope everyone’s getting a little bit of warmer weather and getting super excited for Tulsa!

Notable Updates:

As we’re headed into spring, the majority of work has been focused on our annual conference.  Chair Dr. Kate Quinn and her committee have been putting the final touches on everything to ensure Tulsa is both educational and fun for all. We received a record number of case and research abstract submissions, and Dr. John Luksch and many members of the Research and Publications Committee have been busy reviewing these to select our poster and podium presenters.  Thank you to everyone who submitted – we are looking forward to seeing the work of all presenting!

Of note, we will once again be collaborating with the American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations to edit and review the Preparticipation Physical Evaluation monograph.  Drs. Stephanie Aldret and Mary Solomon have graciously agreed to be the AOASM representatives to the editorial committee for this next edition.  

Committee Highlight:

This month, I’m highlighting our Website Committee.  As you’ve probably noticed, our website looks a bit different now.  Thank you to the Rees group for getting it up and running.  If you’re someone who likes website design or have thoughts on how to improve or update our site, PLEASE consider joining the Website Committee!  We are in the process of revamping the website and the committee, so this is a great time to get involved!  Click below and let us know if you’re interested – we’d love to hear your ideas!

Sporting Fun:

It’s March Madness time, so here are some fun facts about basketball:

Basket Changes

1. The first baskets used since James Naismith invented the sport in 1891 were half-bushel peach baskets. In 1893, a hoop iron with a hammock-style basket was used. It was not until 1912 that nets with an open bottom was used.
2. Baskets used to be attached to balconies allowing spectators to deflect the ball. In 1895, screens were used behind the basket to eliminate the interference. Soon after, wooden backboards were used. In 1908, glass backboards were legalized in professional basketball, followed the next year by college basketball.

Basketball Firsts

1. The first college to play basketball was Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA, in 1892.
2. Hank Luisetti of Stanford University was the first to use a one-handed shot in the 1930s, which later evolved into the jump shot by Jerry West (West Virginia University) and Rick Mount (Purdue University).
3. African American NBA players: Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, Nat Clifton
4. Chinese player: Wang Zhizhi (Dallas Mavericks 2000-2001), though most mistakenly believe Yao Ming to be the first
5. The rule requiring straight basketball court and lines became official in 1903.

Miscellaneous Facts

1. The tallest NBA player was Manute Bol, standing at 7’7”. However, the tallest basketball player in history was Suleimam Ali Nashnush (Libyan national team 1962), who was 8.05 feet tall. Incidentally, the shortest NBA player was Tyron “Muggsy Bogues” Curtis, standing at 5’3” (yes, that’s still taller than me!).
2. The NBA logo features the silhouette of former Los Angeles Lakers all-star, Jerry West.
3. The first NCAA tournament took place in 1939, hosting only 8 teams.  It grew to 25 teams by 1963, all who were champions of their respective conferences.  The conference expanded to 64 teams in 1975 and then to 68 in 2011. Of note, teams were able to play in both the NCAA and NIT tournaments until 1950.

That’s it for me!  Please sign up for the conference (and don’t forget to book your hotel) if you haven’t already!  Good luck with your brackets!  Until next month…