Relationship between Athletic Performance Tests and Playing Time in Elite College Basketball Players

This study examined the relationship of athletic performance tests, player evaluations, and playing experience relative to playing time in 29 male Div. I college basketball players over 4 years. Performance tests consisted of field tests common to athletic conditioning programs. Regression analysis indicated that the most prominent predictor in each equation was the coach's evaluation of the player. This variable explained 56 to 86% of the playing time variance. The physical fitness components and playing experience explained an additional 6 to 20% of playing time variance. When player evaluation and playing experience were excluded from the regression equation, the performance tests explained 64 to 81% of the playing time variance. This study demonstrated the important relationships between leg strength, vertical jump, speed, and agility on playing time. It also appears that minimum levels of upper body strength and aerobic endurance are important components of a basketball player's preparation. However, levels greater than those of average college players do not appear to offer any further advantages in playing time.