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In basketball, jersey numbers are an important way for referees to communicate with the scorers' table about fouls. In college basketball, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) previously restricted players to wearing only single-digit numbers or numbers containing the digits 0 to 5. This meant that the legal numbers were 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. However, in 2023, the NCAA changed this rule, allowing players to wear any number from 0 to 99. This change has sparked varying responses, with some players quickly adopting the newly legal numbers, while others have shown little interest in changing their jersey numbers. So, is 17 a legal number in basketball? The answer is yes, and players are now free to choose from a wider range of numbers to represent their unique identities on the court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal numbers in college basketball | 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 00, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 |
| Illegal numbers in college basketball | 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Legal numbers in NBA | 0-99 |
| Illegal numbers in NBA | None |
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What You'll Learn
In college basketball, players can now wear numbers 0-99
In basketball, the numbers on a player's jersey are not just for identification. They are also used by officials to communicate with the scorers' table. For instance, Iowa high schools used to have a rule where the home team wore even numbers and the visiting team wore odd numbers.
In college basketball, the two-hand reporting mechanic is used, which means that the officials signal fouls to the official scorer with two hands. This is why, until recently, players could only wear numbers 0-5, 00, and numbers ending with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Numbers like 6, 7, 8, and 9 were not allowed because they would require the use of more than two hands to signal.
However, in 2023, the NCAA changed this rule, allowing college basketball players to wear any number from 0-99. This change was made despite the fact that there wasn't much demand for it. In fact, the change was met with a collective shrug by college players, with many teams opting to stick to the old numbering system. Nevertheless, some players have taken advantage of the new rule, with Charlotte's Iaroslav Niagu wearing the largest number in college basketball this season – 99.
While the rule change has opened up a whole new range of numbers for college basketball players, it is worth noting that some numbers are still more popular than others. For example, 7 is the most popular number among players in North Carolina. Single-digit numbers are also generally more popular than double-digit numbers, with 39 out of 43 players from power conference teams choosing single-digit numbers.
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In the NBA, players can wear any number
The restriction on jersey numbers in college basketball has led to some creative solutions, such as Michigan State's Marvin Clark Jr. wearing the number 0. In recent years, there has been a push for change, with some colleges allowing their players to wear previously illegal numbers. However, even with this change, many colleges have chosen to stick to the traditional numbers, perhaps to gain favor with referees.
While the NBA does not have any restrictions on jersey numbers, there are still some numbers that are more popular than others. Single-digit numbers are often preferred, and in the NBA, it is common to see players wearing numbers in the 80s and even 90s. One example is Jeremy Lin, who wore the number 17 during his time in the NBA, coining the term "Linsanity."
The freedom to choose any number in the NBA allows players to express themselves and create their own brand. It also makes it easier for fans to identify with their favorite players, as there is no restriction on the numbers they can choose from. Overall, the lack of restrictions on jersey numbers in the NBA adds to the excitement and personality of the league.
While the NBA allows its players to wear any number, other basketball leagues and competitions may have their own rules and regulations regarding jersey numbers. It is always important for players and fans to be aware of the specific rules of the league they are participating in or following.
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Numbers 6, 7, 8, and 9 were previously banned in college basketball
In college basketball, players are allowed to wear jersey numbers from 0 to 99. However, until recently, there was a rule that prohibited players from wearing the numerals 6, 7, 8, or 9. This rule was known as Rule 1, Section 22, Article 7, Clause b.2, and it stated that only the following numbers were legal: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 00, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55. Team rosters could include 0 or 00, but not both.
The reason for this rule was to simplify the hand signaling made by officials when indicating the jersey number of a player who had committed a foul. For example, the number six might be confused with 15 or 51 by the scorer. This rule was in place for several decades and was followed by the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations.
However, in 2023, the NCAA decided to change this rule, allowing players to wear jersey numbers greater than 5. This change was made despite the lack of significant outcry for it. Still, it provided a solution to the problem of dwindling number options for players, especially at schools that had retired a lot of jersey numbers, such as Michigan State and Duke.
With the rule change, players are now able to wear jersey numbers that were previously banned, such as Kobe Bryant's number 8 and Carmelo Anthony's number 7. While there hasn't been a rush to adopt the newly legal numbers, it has been well-received by some, like UNC, and international players and transfers are more likely to take advantage of the new rule.
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The number 17 is allowed in college basketball
The rule change came about during the offseason, despite there not being much of an outcry for it. The NCAA's official rulebook now states that "players will be allowed to wear numbers 0-99". This change has been met with a collective shrug by college players, with only 43 players from teams in power conferences wearing the newly legal numbers in the 2023-24 season.
The number 17 has been worn by players in college basketball, with Lazar Djokovic of Xavier wearing the number in the 2023-24 season. In the NBA, the number 17 has also been worn by players such as Linsanity.
The number 17 is therefore allowed in college basketball, and players are now able to wear any number from 0-99 on their jerseys. This change has given players more flexibility in choosing their jersey numbers, and we may see more players opting for numbers previously banned under the old rules.
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The number makes it easier for officials to communicate with the scorers' table
The number 17 has been used in basketball, with players such as Xavier's Lazar Djokovic wearing it. However, the legality of jersey numbers in basketball depends on the league and level of play.
In college basketball, a rule previously restricted players to wearing only single-digit numbers or numbers up to 55, with some sources stating that only numbers up to 5 were allowed. This rule was changed in 2023, and players are now allowed to wear any number from 0 to 99.
The restriction on jersey numbers in college basketball was intended to simplify hand signaling by officials. With the previous restriction, officials could use two hands to signal the numbers of players involved in a foul to the scorers' table. For example, a referee could use one hand to signal the tens digit and the other hand to signal the ones digit. This system becomes more complicated when players wear numbers greater than 55, as it requires additional signals or communication.
The restriction on jersey numbers made it easier for officials to communicate with the scorers' table by allowing them to signal player numbers with two hands. With the rule change allowing numbers up to 99, officials may need to find alternative methods to signal player numbers, such as using electronic devices or pre-printed cards.
While the jersey number restriction in college basketball has been lifted, some teams and conferences have chosen to stick with the traditional numbers, possibly to gain favor with referees or out of familiarity and comfort with the old system.
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Frequently asked questions
No. The NCAA previously only allowed jersey numbers 0-5, 00, and numbers between 10 and 55 that are made up of the digits 1-5 (e.g. 11, 25, 55). However, in 2023, the NCAA changed the rule to allow jersey numbers 0-99.
The restriction on jersey numbers in college basketball was due to the two-hand reporting mechanic used by officials. With five fingers on each hand, having jersey numbers limited to 0-5 made it easier for officials to signal fouls to the scorer's table.
Yes, high school basketball in Iowa used to have a rule where the home team wore even numbers and the visiting team wore odd numbers.
Yes, team rosters can include 0 or 00, but not both.
Yes, the 2022-23 NCAA men's basketball rules listed all the legal jersey numbers, and players were not allowed to wear numbers 6, 7, 8, or 9. However, in 2023, the NCAA changed the rule, and players like USC's Bronny James took advantage of this change by wearing the number 6 jersey.
