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Oct 29, 2026Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Assessment on Talent Identification and Development Process by Playing Position in Basketball: A Cross-Sectional Study from Adwa, Ethiopia
Thedros Birhanu
Lewtnesh Berihun Dangew
Abstract
Talent Identification and Development (TID) is essential for optimizing long-term athletic performance in basketball, where positional roles demand distinct physical and technical attributes. The present paper evaluates the anthropometric, physical fitness, and basketball-specific skill profiles of adolescent male players by playing position in Adwa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 male basketball players (aged <18 years) from Don Bosco Adwa and Kidane Mihret secondary school projects. Anthropometric (height, weight, arm span, vertical jump), physical fitness (20m sprint, T-test agility), and skill performance (ball handling, shooting, passing, dribbling using Johnson tests) variables were assessed. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and comparative analysis using SPSS version 23. Significant inter-positional differences were observed (p < 0.05). Centers were significantly taller (mean = 1.79 ± 0.03 m) and had greater arm span (188.3 ± 3.13 cm), while the Power Forwards were heavier (62.9 ± 8.22 kg). Point Guards demonstrated superior sprint speed (3.39 ± 0.15 s), whereas Shooting Guards showed better agility (10.96 ± 0.63 s) and shooting performance (3.2 ± 0.79 baskets/30 s). Small Forwards performed better in ball handling and dribbling (22.7 ± 1.83 zones/30 s). Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relation between height and arm span (r = 0.90, p < 0.001); between height and weight (r = 0.74, p < 0.001); and a moderate positive correlation between shooting and dribbling skills (r = 0.49, p < 0.05). On the other hand, other physical performance variables showed weak and insignificant relationships (p > 0.05). In conclusion, anthropometric, physical fitness, and technical skill variables significantly differ across playing positions and can effectively discriminate player roles. These findings help integrate standardized, multi-dimensional assessment frameworks for evidence-based talent identification and development programs, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Ethiopia.
