Why Basketball Players are Tall?

Basketball doesn't make people taller, but tall people are more likely to play basketball. This is the reason why some people mistakenly believe that basketball can make someone taller. 

Contrary to some beliefs, basketball doesn't make people taller. Tall players are usually selected as basketball players, as they are found to be more suitable for the game. Tall people thus have a higher chance of becoming basketball players.

Tall people usually get encouraged by family and friends to play basketball. Those people are thus more likely than shorter ones to become basketball players.

Usually a tall person can be a fast runner. The fact that basketball requires a fast player makes tall people more suitable for the game. (See Who is the tallest person in the world?)

Tall people start with the advantage of being closer to the basket. This results in letting their shots travel less distance before they reach the basket and this represents a significant advantage in basketball.

Tall people can jump higher into the air. This gives them another advantage that makes them more suitable for the game.

As a result of social pressure, many short people believe that they won't fit in the game, and as a result, they look for a different sport other than basketball. (See What are the disadvantages of being tall?)