Talent is god given - fame is man given - conceit is self given. John Robert Wooden

The Best 50 Quotes by Basketball Players & Coaches

Basketball quotes are terrific not only for players, athletes and coaches.

“Don’t give up; don’t ever give up!” – These words are probably some of the most powerful ever said or written.

This motto was part of a legendary speech delivered by Jim Valvano, an American college basketball coach, for the cancer research foundation he initiated – just eight weeks before he died of cancer.

With over a century of stories and legends, basketball has had its share of stimulating and motivating ambassadors. There are very many fascinating speeches and motivational words.

Our collection of inspirational basketball quotes is sorted chronologically by birth date of the originator. Enjoy and stay motivated!

Be strong in body,
clean in mind,
lofty in ideals.

James Naismith

(1861 – 1939, Canadian American sports coach and innovator;
he invented the sport of basketball in 1891)

FIBA World Championship game between USA and Lithuania on September 11, 2010 in Istanbul / FIBA World Championship Spiel zwischen USA und Litauen am 11. September 2010 in Istanbul

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

(1861 – 1939, Canadian American sports coach and innovator;
he invented the sport of basketball in 1891)

Ability may get you
to the top,
but it takes character
to keep you there.

John Robert Wooden

(1910 – 2010, nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood”,
American basketball player and coach)

Talent is God given.
Be humble.
Fame is man-given.
Be grateful.
Conceit is self-given.
Be careful.

John Robert Wooden

(1910 – 2010, nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood”,
American basketball player and coach)

Success comes from knowing
that you did your best
to become the best
that you are capable
of becoming.

John Robert Wooden

(1910 – 2010, nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood”,
American basketball player and coach)

The only correct actions
are those
that demand
no explanation
and no apology.

Arnold Jacob “Red” Auerbach

(1917 – 2006, American basketball coach)

Whatever you do in life,
surround yourself
with smart people
who’ll argue with you.

John Robert Wooden

(1910 – 2010, nicknamed the “Wizard of Westwood”,
American basketball player and coach)

Natural abilities
are like natural plants;
they need pruning by study.

Arnold Jacob “Red” Auerbach

(1917 – 2006, American basketball coach)

Basketball is a team game.
But that doesn’t mean
all five players
should have
the same amount of shots.

Dean Edwards Smith

(1931 – 2015, American head coach
of men’s college basketball)

Concentration and mental toughness
are the margins of victory.

William Felton “Bill” Russell

(*1934, retired American professional basketball player)

Comments: 1

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  1. Basketball quotes are not only applied on the court but also in real life. Just like how how we aim for our goals, basketball is also a matter of tries, failures and success. Great ones!