1955

Bob Cousy, in his capacity of president of the newly chartered NBA Players Association, negotiates for the first time with commissioner Maurice Podoloff at the All-Star Game. The list of topics (which are mostly not adopted until 1957) include a reduction in exhibition games, payment of travel and moving allowances, and the founding of an arbitration commission for player-owner disputes.

1896

In the first intercollegiate basketball game, the University of Chicago defeats the University of Iowa, 15-12

1958

Larry Smith is born in Rolling Fork, Mississippi.

1972

In front of his home crowd at The Forum in Los Angeles, Jerry West caps off one of the most exciting NBA All-Star Games ever played with a game-winning jumper in the final second to give the Western Conference a 112-110 victory over the East. West is named All-Star MVP for the first time, in his 12th appearance, despite finishing the game with just 13 points. This game also marked the All-Star debuts of Bob Lanier and Dave Cowens.

1973

A mass murder takes place at a home in Washington, D.C. owned by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as part of escalating violence between the Hanafi movement (to which Abdul-Jabbar was an acolyte) and the Nation of Islam. Due to security concerns after the event, Abdul-Jabbar gets an exemption from the NBA to skip the All-Star Game a few days later.

1985

Mark Eaton sets the Jazz single game franchise record with 14 blocks in a 127-122 victory over the Trail Blazers.

1986

In their first ever game at the newly opened Dean Smith Center, #1 ranked North Carolina holds off a late rally from their heated rival, #3 ranked Duke, for a 95-92 victory. Duke would soon after embark on a 21-game winning streak, making it all the way to the National Final.

1990

Gorgui Dieng is born in Kebemer, Senegal.

1998

Robert Parish has his jersey #00 retired by the Celtics. The ceremony takes place on the same day that his former teammate Larry Bird makes his return to Boston, as coach of the Pacers. Parish was a nine-time All-Star for Boston and part of three title teams.