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87 Basketball Quotes & 7 Exciting Facts about the Sport

(Senior Editor)

If the echoes of a basketball bouncing across a court fills you with excitement and passion, you’re in the right place. Join us on our exploration of insightful basketball quotes that capture the commitment, inspiration and team spirit that make up this beloved sport.

We’ve even put together some of the most fascinating facts about this game so you can wow your fellow fans with your knowledge. Prepare yourself for a slam dunk of inspiration that will transport you straight to the basketball court.

Best Quotes about Basketball

Best Quotes about Basketball

Basketball is a game that takes unyielding endurance, pure skill and team spirit to outscore opponents and win the game.

It is a sport of complex strategies and relentless commitment. From adrenaline-fuelled dribbles to breathtaking three-pointers, this game is truly capable of inspiring the masses.

But as a basketball player, you may be looking for other sources of inspiration to fuel your drive for the game. Basketball quotes are amazing for motivating both coaches and athletes.

Whether you’re looking for a few words to share with your team, aspiring athletes in your family or friend circle or you simply need some inspiration for your own performance, you’re sure to find the perfect quote below.

Find here beautiful quotes about teamwork.

Inspirational Quotes about Basketball

Inspirational Quotes about Basketball

Need to ignite that spark for an upcoming basketball game? The inspiring quotes below will add fuel to your fire as well as anyone else’s you share them with.

They offer insightful messages on the nature of basketball and thoughtful words on the character needed to play the sport. Send them to your basketball team’s WhatsApp group to push each other to be the best you can be.

  1. Basketball doesn’t build character, it reveals it.
    (James Naismith, Canadian-American inventor of basketball, 1861–1939)
  2. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, it not an act, but a habit.
    (Aristotle, Greek philosopher and polymath, 384–322 B.C.)
  3. Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.
    (Henry Ford, American industrialist, 1863–1947)
  4. Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.
    (Mark Twain, American writer and humorist, 1835–1910)
  5. It is not how big you are, it is how big you play.
    (Unknown)
  6. Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second.
    (William James, American philosopher and psychologist, 1842–1910)
  7. It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.
    (Babe Ruth, American baseball pitcher, 1895–1948)
  8. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
    (Mahatma Gandhi, Indian lawyer, 1869–1948)
  9. Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
    (Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, 1803–1882)
  10. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
    (John Quincy Adams, former US president, 1767–1848)

Basketball Captions for Instagram

Basketball Captions for Instagram

Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team from the stands or from your living room couch, you may want to share an Instagram post or story to show your support for your basketball team.

And, of course, you’ll need the right words to go with this post.

The Instagram captions below are perfect for pairing with your basketball post on Instagram or any other form of social media.

Add your favorite to your snaps from a game you attended, watched or even played – they’re perfect for any basketball occasion.

  1. Shooting some hoops!
  2. Ball is life
  3. Eyes on the prize
  4. He shoots, he scores!
  5. Nothing but net
  6. May all your swishes come true
  7. Living that courtside life
  8. Reaching new heights… just not the hoop
  9. The court is in session!
  10. My game is sick – too bad it isn’t contagious
  11. Shooting hoops and stealing hearts
  12. Dunkin’ on ‘em with style
  13. Leave it all on the court
  14. Shooting straight from the heart!
  15. Be the player their coach warned them about

Motivational Basketball Quotes for Women and Men

Motivational Basketball Quotes for Women and Men

Whether you’re a man or a woman playing basketball, it’s normal for motivation to drop from time to time.

Maybe you’re not playing as well as you expect of yourself, or perhaps playing basketball just doesn’t bring you the joy it once did.

When these times come around, it helps to remind yourself of why you love basketball, and that being successful is about how many times you can fall and get back up again.

The quotes below emphasize what it takes to be the best you can be and show you that hard work pays off.

  1. Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do, long after the mood you said it in has left you.
    (Unknown)
  2. I want to leave the world a better place for me having been here.
    (James Naismith, Canadian-American inventor of basketball, 1861–1939)
  3. Be strong in body, clean in mind, lofty in ideals.
    (James Naismith, Canadian-American inventor of basketball, 1861–1939)
  4. The man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.
    (Unknown)
  5. The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.
    (William James, American philosopher and psychologist, 1842–1910)
  6. The body achieves what the mind believes.
    (Unknown)
  7. If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.
    (Thomas Jefferson, former US president, 1743–1826)
  8. Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.
    (Earl Nightingale, American speaker and author, 1921–1989)
  9. It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.
    (William Shakespeare, English playwright and poet, 1564–1616)
  10. Today’s actions are tomorrow’s results.
    (Unknown)

Here you’ll find more motivational quotes.

Basketball Quotes about Confidence

Basketball Quotes about Confidence

Confidence is a huge part of being successful in many fields, and basketball is no different. After all, if you don’t believe in yourself, who will? But it can be hard to build your confidence on the court, especially when you’re just starting out.

Here we have gathered some nuggets of wisdom to help you build your confidence in basketball and remind yourself that you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

You can use these quotes as mantras to repeat to yourself or stick them in visible places around your house, like your mirror, to give yourself a boost every morning.

  1. The true champion loses many battles before winning the war.
    (Unknown)
  2. The greatest match a man can win is won within.
    (Unknown)
  3. We can’t control the wind or the rain or the other vagaries of weather. But we can tack our sails such that we can steer the course we desire.
    (Unknown)
  4. The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing that you will make one.
    (Elbert Hubbard, American writer, 1856–1915)
  5. You’ve got to believe deep inside yourself that you’re destined to do great things.
    (Unknown)
  6. Dead last finish is greater than did not finish, which trumps did not start.
    (Unknown)
  7. If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.
    (Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter, 1853–1890)
  8. Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.
    (John D. Rockefeller, American business magnate, 1839–1937)
  9. It’s okay if you try and fail, but it’s not okay if you fail to try.
    (Unknown)
  10. It never gets easier, you just get better.
    (Unknown)

Find here more quotes about confidence.

Short Quotes about Basketball

Short Quotes about Basketball

Looking for some punchy, meaningful quotes about basketball to share with your fellow fans or teammates? The sayings below are exactly what you need.

These concise yet thought-provoking messages offer inspiration on the game and motivation for playing your best in just a few short words.

  1. Basketball is a pure invention.
    (James Naismith, Canadian-American inventor of basketball, 1861–1939)
  2. Champions have no off-season.
    (Unknown)
  3. It takes no talent to hustle.
    (Unknown)
  4. Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it.
    (Unknown)
  5. Great results never came from comfort zones.
    (Unknown)
  6. Win or lose, do it fairly.
    (Knute Rockne, American football player and coach, 1888–1931)
  7. No pressure, no diamonds.
    (Thomas Carlyle, British essayist, 1795–1881)
  8. No great thing is created suddenly.
    (Epictetus, Greek philosopher, 50–135 AD)
  9. Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.
    (F. Scott Fitzgerald, American novelist, 1896–1940)
  10. There is no substitute for hard work.
    (Thomas Edison, American inventor, 1847–1931)

Funny Basketball Quotes to Laugh about

Funny Basketball Quotes to Laugh about

Adding a sprinkle of humor to your basketball training is a great way to keep spirits high and encourage team bonding.

Choose from the funny quotes, clever puns and witty one-liners below to spread some joy among your fellow basketball enthusiasts.

  1. I am sure that no man can derive more pleasure from money or power than I do from seeing a pair of basketball goals in some out of the way place.
    (James Naismith, Canadian-American inventor of basketball, 1861–1939)
  2. Why can’t basketball players go on vacation?
    They aren’t allowed to travel.
    (Unknown)
  3. Where is a basketball player’s favorite place to eat?
    Dunkin’ Donuts.
    (Unknown)
  4. They always asked me if I play basketball because I was tall… They stopped asking me that when I asked them if they play mini-golf.
    (Unknown)
  5. They’re a basketball team in transition… They’re going from bad to worse.
    (Unknown)
  6. My tennis career has taught me I can be the best basketball player ever… Nothing but net.
    (Unknown)
  7. I’m starting a group to play basketball and then discuss philosophy… It’s called “shoot first, ask questions later”.
    (Unknown)
  8. I don’t usually roll a joint, but when I do… it’s my ankle.
    (Unknown)
  9. I couldn’t figure out why the basketball kept getting bigger and bigger… Then it hit me.
    (Unknown)
  10. Basketball makes me happy; You… not so much.
    (Unknown)
  11. I was going to pass it to you… But the hoop was open first.
    (Unknown)
  12. If you were a basketball, I’d never shoot… Because I’d always miss you.
    (Unknown)

More funny quotes.

Basketball Quotes for Boys

Basketball Quotes for Boys

If you have a young boy in your life that’s an aspiring basketball player, sharing a few inspiring quotes with him can be a great way to set him on the right path in his sports career.

Below, you will find some basketball quotes that are perfect for sharing with boys starting out in basketball to ensure they maintain a positive attitude and stay committed to the sport they love.

  1. The invention of basketball was not an accident. It was developed to meet a need. Those boys simply would not play ‘Drop the Handkerchief.’
    (James Naismith, Canadian-American inventor of basketball, 1861–1939)
  2. You can have results, or you can have excuses, but you can’t have both.
    (Unknown)
  3. One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it.
    (Knute Rockney, American football player and coach, 1888–1931)
  4. When you see a good move, look for a better one.
    (Emanuel Lasker, German chess player, 1868–1941)
  5. If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.
    (Thomas Jefferson, former US president, 1743–1826)
  6. Everything you want is always on the other side of fear.
    (Unknown)
  7. Well done is better than well said.
    (Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States, 1706–1790)
  8. If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.
    (Henry Ford, American industrialist, 1863–1947)
  9. Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.
    (Babe Ruth, American baseball pitcher, 1895–1948)
  10. If you are having fun, then you are winning.
    (Unknown)

Basketball Team Quotes

Basketball Team Quotes

Teamwork is an essential aspect of every team sport, basketball included. So much rides on the different strategies and cooperation between players.

It’s important that players understand that working together as a team is more important than standing out as an individual.

The quotes below from famous sports personalities, writers and other well-known figures emphasize the crucial nature of teamwork both on and off the court.

  1. Players are made in the off season, teams are made during the season.
    (Unknown)
  2. The secret of winning is working more as a team, less as individuals.
    (Knute Rockney, American football player and coach, 1888–1931)
  3. People acting together as a group can accomplish things which no individual acting alone could ever hope to bring about.
    (Franklin D. Roosevelt, former US President, 1882–1945)
  4. Coming together is the beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
    (Henry Ford, American industrialist, 1863–1947)
  5. We must all hang together; else we shall all hang separately.
    (Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States, 1706–1790)
  6. It is a fine thing to have ability, but the ability to discover ability in others is the true test.
    (Elbert Hubbard, American writer, 1856–1915)
  7. The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.
    (Babe Ruth, American baseball pitcher, 1895–1948)
  8. If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.
    (Henry Ford, American industrialist and business magnate, 1863–1947)
  9. All the talent in the world won’t take you anywhere without your teammates.
    (Unknown)
  10. Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.
    (Andrew Carnegie, American industrialist and philanthropist, 1835–1919)

Exciting Facts about Basketball

Exciting Facts about Basketball

There is a lot more to basketball than the players, a referee, a ball and the court. From the game’s origins to the longest game in NBA history, below we have gathered the most interesting facts about this exciting sport.

Have a read and share these fascinating facts with your fellow basketball fans and impress them with your in-depth knowledge of the sport.

  1. Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, YMCA Physical Education teacher. He came up with the sport as a way for students to keep fit and busy indoors during winter.
  2. The first basketball was actually a soccer ball, and the first hoop was made from a peach basket and nailed to a balcony ledge.
  3. There have been two women drafted in the NBA. Denise Long was the first, and was drafted in the 13th round by the San Francisco Warriors. The second was Luisa Harris, who was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz as the 137th overall draft pick.
  4. The longest basketball game in NBA history lasted 78 minutes and had 6 overtimes. It took place on January 6, 1951, between the Indianapolis Olympians and the Rochester Royals. The Olympians won 75 to 73.
  5. Olympic decathlete Bruce Jenner (now Caitlin) was drafted in the 7th round of the 1977 NBA Draft by the Kansas City Kings.
  6. All NBA floors are made from hard maple (Acer saccharum). The only exception is the floor in Boston’s TD Garden, which is made of red oak.
  7. NBA players run an average distance of around 2.5 miles per game.
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