The United Nations hosted the first-ever celebration of World Basketball Day in New York City on Thursday.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame took part in the event, which included a roundtable discussion led by hoops legend Julius Erving.
The talk focused on a book by Dr. David Hollander, "How Basketball Can Save the World."
Hollander noted that Dr. James Naismith, who created the game at what would become Springfield College in 1891 saw the potential for connection between people by taking part in the sports.
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images