When someone is said to possess a higher IQ, it means he has superior cognitive abilities. In other words, he’s very smart. But this word doesn’t refer to academics alone.
If you’re a basketball enthusiast, you’ve probably come across the term ‘basketball IQ’. But what exactly does basketball IQ mean?
In it’s simplest term, basketball IQ refers to a player’s ability to strategize and adapt to any game situation. It’s also about making the best decisions consistently that benefit not just himself as a player but the team as a whole.
What is Basketball IQ?
Does basketball IQ mean that a player has a fail-proof shooting ability? Or does this mean that he constantly snags the MVP title? Not necessarily.
Basketball IQ is a term that’s difficult to define. But generally, it is considered a player’s ability to strategize, think at his feet, adapt to any given game situation, and execute the game plan.
A player with a higher basketball IQ is typically the teammate who creates opportunities for his teammates, eventually benefiting the entire team. While he’s great at planning, he knows full well that the game of basketball is characterized by moments of spontaneity.
So, when plays don’t go as planned, he lives the moment on the hard court by being flexible and decisive in doing what is necessary for the team’s success. A high basketball IQ could mean that the player knows exactly when to pass, drive the ball to the basket, or attempt a field goal.
He also displays an impeccable mastery of the rules of the sport. And so, he doesn’t second-guess what to do and what not to do as a team player whether or not he has the ball.
Why is Basketball IQ Important?
They may not be the best shooters, but coaches know full well that players with higher basketball IQ are the ones they need on the floor. They think and act fast to whatever is thrown at them—even if that’s a curveball.
Players with great athletic abilities and shooting skills are a must in a team. But those with higher basketball IQ know how to strategize to increase the team’s chances for success. So, all these combined, you can come up with a powerhouse.
In simple words, players with higher basketball IQ are game-changers.
How to Measure Basketball IQ?
People like Einstein are world-renowned because their incredibly high IQ scores don’t lie. But now that we know what basketball IQ means, does it work the same as a regular IQ that can be measured based on one’s cognitive abilities? No, these two are not the same.
Basketball IQ is difficult to measure in any specific way. You can’t define it using a player’s stats, either. There’s just no official way to do it.
Even so, by observing someone intently during an actual game, you’ll recognize whether or not this player has a high basketball IQ by the way he performs.
How Do You Know if a Basketball Player has a High IQ?
We’ve mentioned that there’s no official way to measure basketball IQ. So, what are some indications that a basketball player has a high IQ?
Have you heard the phrase, “work smart rather than hard”? Players with higher basketball IQ apply the same general principle. They play smart.
This means they don’t spend the limited time taxing themselves by running aimlessly around the hard court. They know where to position themselves and when.
We’ve mentioned that these players are great at strategizing and quickly putting that strategy into action. They’re good at assessing and anticipating their opponents’ next moves. Then, they adapt their strategy based on how they read the game.
This also means they’re skilled at recognizing the perfect timing for their moves. For example, they know the exact moment to make a pass, find an open teammate, drive the ball to the basket, or take a shot.
These smart players are great observers too. They study the weaknesses of their opponents, as well as their game plan. So, for instance, they’re playing on the offense, and players with higher basketball IQ can get past the defenders by exploiting their weaknesses.
Aside from being adaptive to change, players with higher basketball IQ are also creative. Sometimes, they surprise us with the most unexpected plays that are impossible to forget.
Must Know Tips to Improve Your Basketball IQ
While some people are naturally born to possess a higher IQ score, the case isn’t the same with basketball IQ. Basketball IQ is something that players can improve over time with constant studying and practice.
So besides giving you a full-on explanation of what basketball IQ means, here are some handy tips on gaining a higher basketball IQ.
Watch games not just to enjoy but to learn.
It’s fun to cheer on our favorite players whenever they make a successful field goal. But to improve your basketball IQ, you must watch games intently to learn aside from enjoyment.
Watch how smart players create great plays. Observe how some players make a pass out of nowhere. Review how a player constantly gets past his defenders.
These are just some things you can do as you aim to learn more about basketball.
Make reading about basketball a habit.
Basketball isn’t just about your shooting, passing, or dribbling prowess. It’s also about understanding the rules. It’s about knowing how to apply these in different game situations, even when you close your eyes.
And what better way is there to master these rules than to read, comprehend, study, and recap everything written there from time to time? There’s none.
Also, aside from the set of rules in your league, it’s also beneficial to read many articles and news on the NBA and other leagues. Blogs tackling various basketball topics are a great option too.
Always ask questions.
Whatever it is that you’d like to learn more about, asking questions has been proven useful time and time again.
Don’t be shy to talk to coaches and other basketball players. Asking questions shows that you’re thinking about unique game situations and trying to learn how to strategize based on these.
Play constantly.
Now, it’s time you put all that theory into action. Play! Then, record your games.
It might feel a bit weird at first, but when you film yourself, you’ll be able to review your moves later. Then, you’ll have an opportunity to spot your mistakes, study how you can avoid these mistakes next time, and figure out what you could have done better.
Constant practice is one of the important keys to improving your basketball IQ. After all, you can only tell a player has a higher basketball IQ when you see how he performs in the actual game.
NBA Players with the Highest Basketball IQs
It’s clear what basketball IQ means and some handy tips on how to improve it. One of the important ways is to watch the plays that some specific players make. Who are the NBA players with the highest basketball IQs worthy of your study time?
- Chris Paul
This great point guard no doubt lives by the title’ coach on the floor’. Other players might not recognize opportunities. But once these come up, no matter how difficult it is for some to recognize, these never get past his attention.
And so, Paul is known for his incredible ability to lead his team by creating plays.
- Magic Johnson
People love exaggerating Magic Johnson’s peripheral vision, but who can blame them? Johnson never fails to surprise us with passes we never see coming.
- Mark Jackson
Recognized as one of the brightest players in the league, he’s a versatile player who’s ever so strategic and decisive no matter the situation. He knows how to adapt, whether in the offense or defense.
- John Stockton
John Stockton has a 10-time All-Star Hall of Famer title under his belt. No one would ever dare question his exceptional skills in basketball.
- Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd is among the topnotchers in the league’s all-time assist list. If you watch his games closely, you’ll see how this smart player can direct the game plan while driving the ball.
Bottomline
To recap, basketball IQ, in simple words, is defined by how smart and efficient a player performs in the game. Unlike regular IQ, it can’t be measured.
It’s also not innate. Rather, basketball IQ is something that a player needs to develop over time through constant watching, reading, and studying various games and the players who dictate the game flow.
And finally, practicing on the actual can help improve a player’s ability to envision, strategize, think at his feet, adapt to the situation, and put all the theories into action.
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