The International Olympic Committee introduced basketball into its official program at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. There had been a precedent, in the 1904 St. Louis Games, but it was held as a demonstration, without results and with five American teams in two days, so basketball landed in the Olympics this year. The first Olympic podium in history went to the United States (gold), Canada (silver), and Mexico (bronze)

In the final the Americans beat Canada (19-8) in a match that was decided in the first half and played in the rain.

In the fight for the Bronze, the metal was for Mexico, who beat Poland by (21-17). Earlier in the semi-finals, the United States defeated Mexico (25-10), and Canada overcame Poland (18-11).

United States 19
*Johnson – 2p
*Ragland – 2p
*Wheatley – 5p
*Knowles – 2p
*Fortenberry – 8
Bishop – 0p
Shy – 0p

Canada
*Peden – 1p
*Chapman – 2p
*Wiseman – 1p
*Allison – 4p
*Stewart – 0p
Ch. Chapman – 0p
Aitchison – 0p