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Wikipedia:WikiProject National Basketball Association/US Basketballers Notability Proposal

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An idea for a proposed notability criteria for US-based basketball players and others:

A US-based basketball player is notable (meaning a player who has played competitive basketball in the US), if at least one of the following are true. If none are true, the individual in question may still be notable for other reasons, but such may need to be established. (An example is a player who doesn't meet the criteria below, but whose exploits merit substantial press coverage). These criteria apply to both men and women. Note that basketballers who have played in foreign countries (including US hoopsters who play overseas) may be notable based on overseas play, even if not notable based on US play; in general, a player is notable if they are notable in any country where basketball is played competitively.

Professional players are notable if:

  • Played at least one counting (regular season or playoff) game in the NBA, WNBA, or any of their predecessor leagues (old ABA, BBA, etc), or signing a guaranteed contract in such league of duration longer than one year. Minor leagues (CBA, NBDL, USBL) do not count.
  • Had a notable (and verifiable) career for any of the old exhibition teams of the pre-BAA days
  • Has played in exhibition games for the Harlem Globetrotters
  • Was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, even if the player doesn't play in the NBA

Collegiate players are notable if:

  • Has been named to an All-America team, or won a similar award (national in scope).
  • Has received recognition from a major conference (NCAA Division 1-A, essentially)
  • Establishes an NCAA record (even if subsequently broken) or leads the nation in a major statistical category
  • Starts for a Final Four team (I'm not sure about this--most Final Four teams include players who probably aren't notable, and who have little chance at a professional career).


Players in international competition (meaning the Olympics, World Championships; not non-US club teams) are notable if:

  • The represent Team USA (or another high-level national team, like Yugoslavia, Russia, or Argentina) in a major competition (World Championships, Olympics).

Not a basis for notability:

  • Attending NBA training camp, summer league, or similar; being signed to a non-guaranteed or short-duration contract; being drafted in later than the first round of the NBA draft.
  • Play in minor leagues (NBDL, CBA)
  • Play in AAU or other amateur clubs/leagues
  • Play at prep level (or earlier)
  • Play in unorganized basketball, including YMCA, playground basketball, etc. Note that some playground legends may be notable due to extensive press coverage (satisfying WP:BIO).

For coaches:

  • Served as head coach in the NBA or a predecessor league, including on an interim or temporary basis to replace a coach who has been dismissed or is on a leave of absence. Assistants who "sub" for head coaches while out sick, suspended by the league, ejected from a game, or other circumstances where the head coach is not formally relieved of his duties, do not qualify.
  • Served as a head coach at the collegiate level, and one of:
    • Won/coached in a minimum of X games (what should X be?)
    • Received a significant coaching honor, national in scope (such as the John Wooden award)
    • Led a team to the Final 4.
  • Served as a head coach at the minor league pro level, and one of:
    • Won a league championship
    • Won the league's "coach of the year" or similar honor.
  • Served as a head coach at the prep level, and one of:
    • Won a USA Today national championship
    • Leads a program which is acknowledged by national sports media to produce an unusually large number of quality NCAA or pro prospects
  • Is regarded by the basketball media as making a significant contribution to the strategy, tactics, and/or training regimens used in the game; or to the rules of the game.
  • Has coached a high-level national team in a major international competition.
  • ???

Not notable:

  • Assistant coaches, trainers, scouts, etc.
  • Amateur coaches, coaches of children, etc.

For executives and owners

  • Any general manager, director of player-personnel, president, vice president, team owner, or official of other capacity with an NBA team, WNBA team, or team in any predecessor league. Does not include limited partners, officers or directors of parent entities, or shareholders in publicly-held teams.
  • The commissioner, deputy commissioner, etc. of a professional league.
  • University athletic directors of Division I schools
  • Officials with USA Basketball

Not notable:

  • Scouts, managers not overseeing basketball operations, middle management, etc.

For anybody:

  • Nominated to, or inducted into, the Naismith Hall of Fame. (Regional Halls of Fame don't count)
  • Wins a major endorsement contract from a significant advertiser who is national or global in scope. (Nike, yes. Mike's Car Wash, no.)
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