As a researcher who has spent years studying human growth and sports science, and as an editor who has reviewed countless manuscripts on the topic, I get asked this question more often than you might think: will playing basketball make you taller? It’s a belief that seems to be cemented in popular culture, fueled by the towering figures we see dominating the courts. Just look at a player like the 6-foot-9 Rhenz Abando of the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters, or consider the example of Quincy Miller, the 6-foot-9 forward who isn’t new to the EASL, having suited up for the Suwon KT Sonicboom last season. Their presence seems to argue a compelling case. But as someone who digs into the data, I have to tell you, the relationship is far more about correlation than causation, and the real science behind it is fascinating.
Let’s start with the foundational truth: your ultimate height is overwhelmingly determined by genetics. Scientists estimate that about 60% to 80% of your final stature is programmed into your DNA. The remaining 20% to 40% is influenced by environmental factors, with nutrition being the absolute king. Without adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D, and overall caloric intake during your growth years, genetic potential simply cannot be reached. I’ve seen studies where populations with improved childhood nutrition gained an average of over 4 centimeters in average height in a single generation. That’s the power of environment, but it’s about food, not free throws. So, if basketball itself doesn’t magically stretch your bones, why does the stereotype persist so stubbornly? Well, this is where the interesting nuances come in, and where my personal opinion as a sports enthusiast kicks in.
Firstly, there’s a powerful selection bias at work. Professional basketball, especially at the highest levels, naturally selects for individuals who are already genetically predisposed to be tall. A young man who hits 6-foot-5 by age 16 is far more likely to be encouraged to pursue basketball seriously than his 5-foot-8 peer. The sport doesn’t make him tall; his tallness guides him toward the sport. We see this in leagues worldwide, from the NBA to the EASL. When you constantly watch athletes like the 6-foot-9 Romero, your brain creates a shortcut: basketball equals height. But that’s getting the equation backwards. However, and this is a big however, I do believe sustained physical activity like basketball creates an environment that supports optimal growth. The keyword here is supports. Regular exercise, particularly during adolescence, stimulates the release of human growth hormone. One study I recall, though I can’t pull the exact journal title right now, suggested that adolescents engaged in regular vigorous activity could have HGH pulses that are nearly 70% higher than their sedentary counterparts during sleep. Basketball, with its jumping, sprinting, and constant motion, is a fantastic catalyst for this.
Furthermore, the sport promotes musculoskeletal health. The impact from jumping and running can potentially stimulate bone density and strength through a process called bone remodeling. While it won’t lengthen the long bones after your growth plates have fused—typically by your late teens to early twenties—it ensures that the bone you’re building is robust. Think of it as building the best possible version of the genetic blueprint you were given. From an editor’s perspective, this is the kind of practical, actionable insight we love to publish: basketball may not add inches, but it can help you reach your full genetic potential and build a stronger, healthier body. There’s also a social and psychological component we can’t ignore. Being part of a team, experiencing the camaraderie and discipline, often leads to better lifestyle habits—earlier bedtimes, more conscious eating—which indirectly support healthy development.
So, should you put your kid in basketball to make them taller? My straightforward, slightly opinionated take is no, that’s the wrong goal. You should encourage them to play basketball, or any sport they enjoy, because it fosters discipline, teamwork, resilience, and lifelong health. The potential for supporting their growth is a wonderful bonus, not the primary objective. Chasing height through a specific sport is a recipe for disappointment. I’ve spoken with parents who were almost desperate, as if enrolling their son in a basketball clinic was a medical intervention. It’s not. The real value lies in the activity itself. In conclusion, the science is clear: playing basketball does not directly cause an increase in height beyond your genetic limits. The towering players we admire, from the local EASL stars to global icons, are largely products of their DNA. But to dismiss the connection entirely is to miss a broader point. Basketball, as a vehicle for vigorous, weight-bearing exercise and a promoter of healthy habits, can play a significant supporting role in allowing a young person to achieve their full, genetically-determined stature. It’s about creating the best possible conditions for growth, not manufacturing it. So, play the game for the love of it, for the sweat and the strategy, for the team on your chest. If you grow tall, that’s a fantastic advantage. But if you don’t, you’ve still gained something far more enduring: a passion and a foundation for health that lasts long after the growth plates have closed.