Andrew Pace
In basketball, jersey numbers are often worn by players based on the numbers they wore as kids or teenagers. College and high school players can only wear single-digit numbers from 0 to 5, which could be why players don't wear numbers higher than 40, such as 90. In fact, in the history of the NBA, only one player has ever worn the number 90: Drew Gooden, who wore it for the majority of his career.
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What You'll Learn
- In college basketball, players are prohibited from wearing jerseys with numerals 6, 7, 8 or 9
- In the NBA, jersey numbers are chosen based on personal significance, team traditions, or the player's position
- Numbers 0 and 00 are valid jersey numbers in the NBA
- Numbers 1-5 are traditionally reserved for guards or players who primarily handle the ball
- Numbers 6-10 are typically worn by small forwards or swingmen who can play multiple positions
In college basketball, players are prohibited from wearing jerseys with numerals 6, 7, 8 or 9
In college basketball, players are prohibited from wearing jerseys with numerals 6, 7, 8, or 9. This is due to Rule 1, Section 22, Article 7, Clause b. 2 of the NCAA Men's Basketball Rules, which states that the only legal numbers are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 00, and all numbers from 10 to 55 that are composed of these digits. This rule aims to facilitate non-verbal communication between referees and official scorers, who use their fingers to indicate a player's number during a game. For instance, if a player with the number 5 commits a foul, the referee can hold up five fingers to communicate this information to the scorer.
The restriction on using 6, 7, 8, or 9 can be challenging for colleges with many retired jersey numbers, as it limits the options for new players. Some critics argue that this rule is unnecessary, suggesting that scorers can easily distinguish between numbers like six and fifteen or fifty-one. With the availability of instant replays and improved technology, the reliance on finger signals has diminished.
While college basketball players cannot choose numbers in the 6 to 9 range, they are free to select from a variety of other numbers, including 0 to 5 and 10 to 55. Single-digit players' numbers are officially recorded with a leading zero to differentiate them. For example, a player wearing the number 5 on their jersey would be recorded as 05 in the official scorebook.
The numbering rules in college basketball are unique and differ from those in other sports. For instance, in the NFL, the numbering system is based on a player's primary position, and any player wearing a number outside the typical range for their position must inform the referee. In contrast, college basketball has a more restricted numbering system, with only specific single and double-digit numbers permitted.
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In the NBA, jersey numbers are chosen based on personal significance, team traditions, or the player's position
Jersey numbers in basketball are often a personal choice for the player, with certain numbers carrying specific meanings. For example, the number 23 is frequently worn by the best players due to its association with Michael Jordan, and now, LeBron James. Some players might choose to wear the number of their favourite player, or a combination of their favourite players' numbers. In other instances, players might opt for a "lucky number", a number that brings back fond memories, or one that represents their aspirations.
Team traditions or league guidelines can also influence the choice of jersey numbers in the NBA. For example, in Italy's Serie A, guards typically wear lower numbers like #1 or #5, while forwards and centres may wear higher digits such as #7 or #15. In the Spanish ACB League, certain teams reserve specific numbers for iconic players or positions. Additionally, some teams might retire jersey numbers of legendary players, as is common in the NBA.
It is worth noting that different basketball leagues and organisations worldwide have their own unique rules and practices regarding jersey numbers. For instance, in FIBA competitions, players generally choose any number between 4 and 15, excluding 6, which is reserved for team captains. In college basketball, single-digit players' numbers are officially recorded with a leading zero, and certain numbers may be restricted.
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Numbers 0 and 00 are valid jersey numbers in the NBA
The NBA has specific guidelines regarding jersey numbers to ensure consistency and clarity during games. Numbers 0 and 00 are both valid jersey numbers in the NBA. Players like Damian Lillard (#0) and Russell Westbrook (#00) have made these numbers iconic in recent years. In the past, players like Kevin Duckworth wore 00 for the Portland Trail Blazers in the late '80s and early '90s.
In the NBA, guards usually wear #0 or #1, forwards may wear #2 through #4, and centers typically wear higher numbers like #45. The lowest numbers are often the highest prestige, and thus are often worn by players at any position.
The NBA prohibits players from wearing certain numbers for various reasons. For example, numbers 69 and above are prohibited due to potential concerns over inappropriate or offensive associations. Numbers with 0 combined with any other digit, such as 04 or 09, are also prohibited to avoid confusion. The number 6 is no longer sanctioned across the NBA, and three-digit numbers are not allowed.
While FIBA generally follows similar guidelines to the NBA, there are some differences. In FIBA competitions, players can typically choose any number between 4 and 15, excluding 6, which is reserved for team captains. In college basketball, single-digit players' numbers are officially recorded as having a leading zero.
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Numbers 1-5 are traditionally reserved for guards or players who primarily handle the ball
In basketball, numbers 1-5 are traditionally reserved for guards or players who primarily handle the ball. These players have specialized roles and are usually the shortest on the court. They are often referred to as the "brains" of the team, making quick decisions that lead to scoring opportunities.
Point guards, also known as the "one" or the "point", are typically the captains and leaders of the team. They are responsible for bringing the ball up the court, controlling the pace of the game, and ensuring the ball gets to the right player at the right time. They have excellent court vision and passing skills, enabling them to create plays and set their teammates up for success. Point guards are also known for their quick hands, which help them force turnovers and maintain possession, even in crowded spaces.
Shooting guards, usually taller and heavier than point guards, are primarily known for their shooting skills. They are typically the best long-range shooters on the team, excelling at three-pointers and mid-range shots. However, they are also responsible for ball handling and must be able to pass and defend effectively.
Combo guards, a combination of point guards and shooting guards, possess the skills of both positions. They can bring the ball up the court, set up plays, pass, and score in a variety of ways, including shooting from beyond the arc and driving to the basket.
While the numbering system in basketball has evolved to mandate single and double-digit numbers, the lowest numbers are often considered the most prestigious and are worn by players in any position. This flexibility in numbering allows players to choose numbers that align with their preferences or personal significance, regardless of their position on the court.
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Numbers 6-10 are typically worn by small forwards or swingmen who can play multiple positions
In basketball, numbers play a significant role in identifying players' positions and roles on the court. While the numbering system in the sport's early decades was relatively unrestricted, specific conventions and traditions have since emerged, guiding the choices of jersey numbers for players in different positions.
Numbers 6 through 10 are typically associated with small forwards or swingmen who showcase versatility by playing multiple positions. Small forwards, often referred to as the "Swiss army knife" of the team, are known for their ability to do a little bit of everything on the court. They can score, rebound, handle the ball, pass, and defend. Their role often overlaps with that of shooting guards, and they are usually between 6'4'' and 6'10'' tall.
One of the most famous small forwards, LeBron James, wore the number 6 during his time with the Miami Heat before returning to his iconic number 23 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The number 6 jersey has been retired across the NBA in honour of former Boston Celtics player and civil rights activist Bill Russell. This demonstrates the significance attached to certain jersey numbers and the players who wore them.
While small forwards typically wear numbers in the 6-10 range, there is some variation depending on the league and its specific rules. For example, in FIBA competitions, players generally choose numbers between 4 and 15, excluding 6, which is reserved for team captains. In college basketball, governed by the NCAA, players' numbers typically range from 0 to 5, with guards wearing 0 or 1 and forwards wearing 2 through 4.
Although the numbering conventions provide a general framework, players in different positions have occasionally worn numbers outside the typical ranges. For instance, in the NBA, some players who wore the number 90 include Victor Wembanyama, L. James, K. Durant, J. Embiid, and others. These exceptions highlight the flexibility and evolution of jersey number choices in basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketball players can wear the number 90, but it is uncommon. In the NBA, only one player has worn the number 90: Drew Gooden, who wore it for most of his career.
In the NBA, players tend to avoid numbers higher than 40. This could be because they wore lower numbers as kids and teenagers, or because they want a number associated with a specific player. In college and high school basketball, players can only wear numbers 0-5, so they may be more likely to choose a lower number when they turn professional.
Drew Gooden may have worn the number 90 because it was the only number available, or because he liked the way it looked. He also wore the numbers 0 and 9 during his career.
Yes, some NBA players have worn numbers higher than 90. For example, Dennis Rodman wore the number 91 for three years, and Deshawn Stevenson wore the number 92.
