Basketball Sayings

Talk about basketball and the first person who comes to your mind is either Ervin 'Magic' Johnson or Michael Jordan. They are the legends and the masters, who have brought the sport a lot of glory and are idols for aspirants. These two and a few others have always inspired through their game and sometimes thorough their words too! From James Naismith, the individual who invented this game, to the great Bobby Knight, they have been there, done that! They have been sometimes sarcastic, sometimes emotional and sometimes funny. It is actually a treasure trove, come to think of it, if these quotes and sayings related to the game are collected.

Basketball Quotes and Sayings

Presenting to you a collage, expressed by the greats from the game - enjoy and take a dunk!

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, inventor of the game.

Basketball doesn't build character it reveals it.

Talent wins games, but team work and intelligence wins championships.
- Michael Jordan, one of the finest players of the game.

It doesn't matter if you fall down, it's whether you get back up.
- Michael Jordan, one of the finest players of the game.

You don't play against opponents. You play against the game of basketball.
- Bobby Knight, one of the best coaches to have taught the game.

Basketball is like photography, if you don't focus, all you have is the negative.
- Dan Frisby

I keep both eyes on my man. The basket hasn't moved on me yet.
- Julius Erving, a top-notch American Basketball player

They said playing basketball would kill me. Well, not playing basketball was killing me.
- Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Another legendary American Basketball Player

The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot.
- Bill Russell, American Basketball player

Any American boy can be a basketball star if he grows up, up, up.
- Bill Vaughn, an American columnist and author.

Those guys today don't like to bang. It's something you had to be good starting out doing. I started out as a football player. I liked to inflict pain. In basketball, it was the same thing.
- Shaquille O'Neal, is an American professional basketball player, rapper, actor, reserve police officer and a U.S. Deputy Marshal.

If you are afraid of failure you don't deserve to be successful!
- Sir Charles Barkley, a professional American basketball player.

There are really only two plays: Romeo and Juliet, and put the darn ball in the basket.
- Abe Lemons

Okay, these were all inspirational and motivational. Time for some fun ones now, which are sure to tickle your rib! If you like them you can get them printed on your t shirt too!

Quotes for T shirts

Get better shots than your opponent and get more of those better shots.

Look to run every possession.

Handle the ball with sureness.

Be hard to guard. Help each other get open.

Get fouled. Make more than your opponent attempts.

I haven't been able to slam-dunk the basketball for the past five years. Or, for the thirty-eight years before that, either.
- Dave Barry

My sister's expecting a baby, and I don't know if I'm going to be an uncle or an aunt." - Chuck Nevitt, North Carolina State basketball player, explaining to Coach Jim Valvano why he appeared nervous at practice.

I hope you enjoyed them, had a good laugh, and were inspired. This is where I sign off, leaving you to hit the basket!