The research was aimed at finding out: if the intellect of athletes and their social status have had any influence on their sports results; if the years given to basketball have had no negative influence on the personality, his/her interests and the quality of living. Material and methods: The following methods of research have been used: 1) analysis of literary sources and FIBA questionnaires; 2) working out questionnaires; 3) interviewing. The research has been carried out during the years 1995-1998. The subjects were 112 best basketball players of the years 1937-1998. Discussion: Sports career consists of the sports results achieved, the social status of the athlete, the quality of his/her living when engaged in sports and after leaving sport. Education and acquiring profession while still actively engaged in sports have been considered important factors by Lithuanian elite basketball players. High percentage of those having formed families and brought up children indicates a serious attitude to the family. General intellect is reflected in the principal hobbies, e. g. the majority of elite basketballers are fond of books, theatre and music. Conclusions: 1. With purposive orientation of values and motives in life the long years, i. e. 15 years on the average, given to great sport have had no negative influence on the intellect, education and social status of elite basketball players. 2. The intellect, education and social status of elite basketballers in their turn have had positive influence on the development of basketball and sports results in Lithuania.
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