March Madness has started and the NBA playoffs are just around the corner. Which means it’s time to ask the question: why don’t basketball players wear athletic cups?
The answer, according to Dr. Stephen Strup, the chief of urology at the University of Kentucky, is comfort. Strup, quoted in this ESPN articlesays it comes down to comfort.
“Granted, such injuries could likely be prevented by wearing a cup, but NBA players don't wear them. Even Dr. Stephen Strup, the chief of urology at the University of Kentucky, doesn't recommend them. In over 20 years of practice, Strup has treated a few basketball-related injuries in the hoop-crazy state. But as a former small forward for Division III's DePauw University basketball team, Dr. Strup knows firsthand how immobilizing and uncomfortable a protective cup can be on the court.
"There isn't enough of an issue to wear a cup," Dr. Strup says. "It's hard to generate enough pressure for major injuries to occur in basketball. You see the guys go out, they're uncomfortable and they can't function a little bit, but usually they're back in a few minutes."
As usual, we disagree with the no-cup ‘cause “it’s not that big of a deal.” Almost every season a basketball player is out for more than a few minutes—like Manu Ginobili, who took a knee to the groin and needed surgery. It took a month of recovery before he was back in the game.
Although basketball players do not typically wear athletic cups, they are still at risk of experiencing groin injuries. To provide adequate support and protection to this sensitive area, basketball players should consider wearing Diamond MMA Compression Briefs or Performance Short Briefs. These types of briefs are designed to provide targeted compression to the groin area, which can help reduce the risk of injuries such as strains, sprains, and pulls. Additionally, these briefs are made with moisture-wicking materials that help keep the skin dry and prevent chafing, which is essential for athletes who sweat during physical activity. By choosing to wear Diamond MMA compression briefs or performance short briefs, basketball players can ensure that they are taking proactive steps to protect their groin and enhance their performance on the court.
