Do NBA and Basketball Players Drink Energy Drinks?

Basketball is a tough, intense, grueling, and adrenaline rushing sport.  It requires both focus and sustained stamina for full-court, offensive and defensive excellence.  And with the sport required sustained intensity, many basketball players turn to energy drinks to help enhance their game.

Energy drinks, long popular amongst both athletes and non-athletically minded individuals, have made a recent comeback and resurgence in popularity.

But, do NBA and basketball players, in particular, drink energy drinks? Below, we are going to look at whether or not NBA and basketball players drink energy drinks, when is the most optimal time to drink an energy drinks, and what are some of the best energy drinks for basketball specifically?

What Are Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks are a form of a drink containing stimulant compounds, typically in the form of caffeine, marketed towards both athletes and non-athletically minded individuals looking to increase their mental and physical awareness and alertness.

Energy drinks can come in a variety of different flavors, carbonation levels, and sugar contents. In addition, many of the newer entrants into the world of energy drinks contain additional vitamins and minerals, with companies purporting their benefits to consumers.

And although energy drinks contain caffeine, they are markedly different from coffee and teas. Similarly, other caffeine containing drinks, such as soda, are not considered to be energy drinks but rather a form of a soft drink.

Rather, energy drinks are more uniquely marketed as a carbonated beverage with an increased focus and attention to providing consumers with added levels of caffeine.

Are Energy Drinks Safe?

Although energy drinks have, in particular, received a poor reputation amongst the older crowd, many of whom are more aligned with coffee and tea beverages, many studies conducted by independent research groups have found that energy drinks are safe for consumption.

However, energy drinks often contain between 70-240 mg of caffeine per bottle. And while habitual caffeine consumption of up to 400 mg per day does not give rise to safety concerns, many users have been known to abuse those amounts.

As such, users, particularly teens and young adults, should use caution when drinking an energy drink. Likewise, it is important to speak with your physician or a health care professional before beginning a diet including frequent energy drink consumption.

Best Energy Drinks for Basketball Players

With the worldwide energy drink market standing in at over 44 billion Euros and the American domestic market over $19 billion, there are a plethora of options and choices to choose from.

However, for basketball specifically, it is best to choose an energy drink which contains less sugar and calories, many of which contain excessive amounts.

As such, below are our top recommendations on the best energy drinks for basketball players.

• CELSIUS Essential Energy Drink – CELSIUS is one of the newer entrants into the energy market but has made a big splash. With over 17 different flavors, CELSIUS appeals to a wide range of palates and tastes. However, what we really like about CELSIUS is that, as compared to other energy drinks on the market, the drink is relatively healthy. With only 10-calories per bottle and no added sugars or preservatives, CELSIUS is one of the best energy drink choices for basketball players.

• Red Bull Sugar Free – Red Bull is likely the main catalyst for the popularity of energy drinks. With slick marketing campaigns, Red Bull appeals to a wide-range of individuals and person’s. But, if you’re going to drink a Red Bull, we recommend sticking with the sugar free version. At 20-calories and 0 sugars, it is the healthier option than the regular can.

• V8 +SPARKLING ENERGY – most of us don’t consider V8 to be an energy drink. And while the brand is best known for its fruit juices, they’ve recently ventured into the world of energy drinks. And their V8 +SPARKLING ENERGY is one of the best we tried. Gentle energy from naturally occurring sources, such as tea, this energy drink will give you enough energy before a basketball game without compromising your health.

So, Do NBA and Basketball Players Drink Energy Drinks?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, many and most NBA players do drink energy drinks both during the season and the offseason. And the reasons for doing so are quite obvious. For starters, NBA players’ schedules, are one of the most grueling of all sports.

Frequently traveling from state-to-state throughout the season, NBA players have little time to rest and relax. With an NBA players’ daily schedule packed with practice, games, training, and prep before a game, they are more likely to need a quick pick-me-up.

In addition, particularly during the regular season and playoffs, NBA players will typically wake up early, often before sunrise, to begin practicing and training. And often, these same players will not return to bed until past midnight and after the end of a game.

What is the Most Optimal Time to Drink an Energy Drink for Basketball?

While an energy drink can technically be drunk at any time of the day, if you are looking to provide a quick boost of energy before a basketball game, then there are certain times before the game when you should drink one.

Energy drinks, on average, take between 10-30 minutes to kick-in and begin working. However, if you are planning on drinking one before a basketball game or practice, you should look to drink one approximately an hour before the start of the game or practice.

By drinking the energy drink an hour before, you will ensure the energy drink and caffeine content has time to begin working and kick-in.

In addition, you will feel more regulated and alert in time for the start of the game or the practice.