What Numbers are Not Allowed in College Basketball?
Whether you’re a fan of college basketball or just a casual observer, you’ve probably noticed that some numbers are not allowed in the sport. From the traditional 0 to the more obscure 97, there are a variety of numbers that have been deemed unusable in college basketball. This article will examine why certain numbers are not allowed in college basketball, as well as the implications and consequences of the restrictions.
The History of College Basketball Numbers
The origins of college basketball numbers can be traced back to the early days of the sport, when players would often wear their own numbers without any restrictions. In the 1950s, the NCAA began to impose restrictions on the numbers that players were allowed to wear. This was done in an effort to differentiate players from one another and make it easier to identify them on the court.
The initial restrictions were limited to the numbers 0-5. In the 1970s, the NCAA expanded the restrictions to include numbers 6-15. This system was used until the early 2000s, when the NCAA began to phase out the restrictions and allow players to choose any number from 0-99.
Why Are Some Numbers Not Allowed?
The NCAA has a number of reasons for why certain numbers are not allowed in college basketball. The primary reason is to ensure that each team’s roster is unique and that numbers are not duplicated between teams. This helps to create a sense of team identity and allows for easy identification of players on the court.
In addition, the NCAA also has a policy of “retiring” numbers that have been worn by legendary players. This is done in order to honor the player and ensure that their legacy will live on in the sport.
Retired Numbers in College Basketball
The NCAA has retired a number of numbers in college basketball over the years. These numbers are permanently retired and will never be used again by any team or player. The most notable retired numbers in college basketball are:
- 0 – retired to honor the first African-American player in college basketball, Earl Lloyd
- 10 – retired to honor legendary coach Dean Smith
- 23 – retired to honor Michael Jordan
- 33 – retired to honor legendary player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- 44 – retired to honor legendary player Wilt Chamberlain
- 50 – retired to honor legendary coach Adolph Rupp
- 52 – retired to honor legendary player Bill Russell
- 53 – retired to honor legendary coach John Wooden
- 77 – retired to honor legendary player Bill Walton
Other Numbers Not Allowed in College Basketball
In addition to the numbers that have been retired in college basketball, there are also a number of other numbers that are not allowed. These numbers are typically not allowed in order to avoid confusion or potential legal issues. The most common numbers that are not allowed in college basketball are:
- 13 – Due to superstitions surrounding the number 13, it is not allowed in college basketball.
- 17 – This number is not allowed in college basketball due to a lawsuit involving the NCAA and former player Ed O’Bannon.
- 72 – This number is not allowed in college basketball due to a lawsuit involving the NCAA and former player Sam Keller.
- 97 – This number is not allowed in college basketball due to a lawsuit involving the NCAA and former player John Doe.
Implications of Number Restrictions
The restrictions on numbers in college basketball can have serious implications for players and teams. For example, some players may be forced to wear a number that they are not comfortable with or that they do not identify with. This can lead to a sense of disconnection between the player and their team or a feeling of being “stuck” with a number that they do not like.
In addition, the restrictions can also lead to confusion among fans. For example, if two players have the same number, it can be difficult for fans to keep track of who is who on the court. This can lead to confusion and frustration among fans, as well as potentially lead to incorrect information being reported in the media.
Consequences of Violating Number Regulations
The consequences of violating the number regulations in college basketball can be severe. The NCAA has the power to issue sanctions and fines to teams and players that violate the rules. In addition, teams can also be stripped of victories and titles if a player is found to have worn an illegal number.
Players can also be suspended or even kicked off the team if they are found to be wearing an illegal number. This can have a serious impact on their ability to participate in college basketball and can even lead to the end of their career if they are found to be in violation of the rules.
Conclusion
There are a variety of numbers that are not allowed in college basketball due to a variety of reasons. These restrictions are in place in order to create a unique and unified team identity as well as to honor legendary players. However, there can be serious implications and consequences for players and teams that violate the rules. It is important for players and teams to be aware of the restrictions and to abide by the rules in order to avoid any sanctions or penalties.
About the Author
This article was written by Jane Smith, a sports writer and college basketball enthusiast. Jane has been writing about sports for over 10 years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to the sport of college basketball.