The number 99 is an iconic jersey number in basketball. It has been worn by some of the game’s greatest players, like George Mikan, Rick Barry, and Jason Williams. But can any player actually wear the number 99? Or are there rules and restrictions around which jersey numbers players can use in the NBA and college basketball?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the number 99 jersey and examine the rules around wearing it in professional, college, and recreational basketball leagues. We’ll also highlight some of the game’s most famous 99s and discuss why 99 is considered such a special number in basketball.
The History of Number 99
The number 99 first rose to prominence in basketball thanks to George Mikan, the original NBA superstar player. Mikan wore number 99 throughout his Hall of Fame career with the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1940s and 50s. He led the Lakers to five NBA championships while sporting his iconic double-nine jersey.
After Mikan retired, the number 99 disappeared from NBA hardwoods for several decades. It made a return in the late 1990s thanks to flamboyant point guard Jason Williams. As a member of the Sacramento Kings, Williams adopted number 99 and helped make it fashionable again. Other talented guards like Tony Delk soon followed suit.
The number’s popularity really took off after the turn of the millennium. Stars like Metta World Peace and Gilbert Arenas wore 99 proudly, cementing its legacy. Today, 99 is often worn by players looking to make a statement with an unusual uniform number. It’s become a symbol of swagger and confidence on the court.
Why 99 is Special in Basketball
But why does 99 even hold such mystique in basketball? For starters, wearing a number in the high double-digits at all is extremely rare in basketball. The vast majority of players sport jersey numbers in the single digits or low teens. Donning a 99 jersey makes a player stand out from the crowd.
The visual aesthetic of the double-nine is also eye-catching and compelling. Two nines lined up next to each other are uniquely symmetrical and clean. It simply looks good on a basketball uniform.
There’s also the symbolism and meaning behind the number 99. It connotes excellence – being the best of the best. Striving for 99% perfection. The highest attainable grade. Players who wear 99 see themselves as the cream of the crop and top dogs on the court.
For all these reasons, 99 has become an instantly recognizable jersey number in basketball associated with distinction and greatness. Let’s now look at the rules around wearing it.
Rules for Wearing 99 in the NBA
In the NBA, the number 99 can be worn just like any other uniform number. The league has very few restrictions on which jersey numbers players can adopt. The only major rule is that numbers have to be between 0-99 and can’t contain any digits other than 1-5.
So NBA teams have full discretion when it comes to handing out number 99. It can be assigned to any player who requests it. However, in practice, the league has seemingly tried to limit overuse of 99 in recent years. There are rarely more than a couple players sporting double-nines in the NBA at any given time.
Here are some of the most famous NBA players who have donned number 99 over the years:
Notable NBA Players Who Have Worn #99
| George Mikan | Minneapolis Lakers |
| Rick Barry | Houston Rockets |
| Jason Williams | Sacramento Kings |
| Tony Delk | Phoenix Suns |
| Metta World Peace | Houston Rockets |
| Gilbert Arenas | Orlando Magic |
As the table shows, number 99 has been embraced by some of the NBA’s most unique personalities over the past 70+ years. The tradition continues today with current players like Ja Morant wearing 99 to pay homage to the legends of the past.
Wearing 99 in College Basketball
The tradition of wearing 99 carries over to the college ranks as well. But here, there are some stricter rules enforced by the NCAA regarding jersey number eligibility.
According to NCAA regulations, any men’s basketball player competing in Divisions 1 or 2 must wear a jersey number between 0-5 or 10-15 for home and away games. This prevents the use of any high double-digit numbers like 99.
However, there are still ways college players can get around the rule. The NCAA makes exceptions for certain special events and tournaments. For special games like Nike-sponsored events, players are allowed to wear alternate jersey numbers outside the standard range.
Some other opportunities where NCAA players can wear 99 include:
When College Players Can Wear #99
– Preseason scrimmages & exhibition games
– Conference tournaments
– NCAA March Madness tournament
– Special events like Nike-sponsored tournaments
So while men’s Div. 1 and 2 players can’t wear 99 regularly in college, they can break it out for big games and special events. Women’s players and men’s Div. 3 teams aren’t restricted by number rules, so they can wear 99 whenever they want.
A few of the most famous college players to wear #99 include:
Notable NCAA Players Who Have Worn #99
| Jordan Sibert | Ohio State |
| George King | Colorado |
| Kahlil Whitney | Kentucky |
These players and many others have proudly carried on the 99 legacy at the college level when given the chance.
Wearing 99 in High School & Youth Basketball
At the high school level, there are essentially no restrictions from state athletic associations on which basketball jersey numbers players can wear. High schoolers have full freedom to choose any number they want, including double-digits like 99.
In fact, picking an unconventional number like 99 as a high school player is a great way to stand out from the crowd during the recruiting process. It shows creativity and personality on the court.
Here are some of the most highly-ranked high school prospects that have worn number 99 over the past decade:
Notable High School Players Who Have Worn #99
| Andre Drummond | Connecticut |
| Nerlens Noel | New Hampshire |
| Cliff Alexander | Illinois |
For youth league and recreational basketball, number guidelines are similarly loose. Kids can pick any number they want for league and tournament play, including 99.
Some youth teams will retire certain numbers like 99 to honor past players. But typically most organizations allow full customization of jerseys. 99 is fair game for any ambitious young player looking to channel their inner Jason Williams on the court.
The Future of 99 in Basketball
While high double-digit jersey numbers like 99 used to be rare in basketball, they are becoming more common and accepted today. The success of players like George Mikan and Gilbert Arenas has paved the way for a new generation to embrace the number.
Ja Morant, the electric young point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, currently wears 99 as his full-time NBA number. Other young talents like Zion Williamson have worn it during exhibition games and special events. The 99 jersey is now becoming a symbol of youth, energy, and swagger in today’s game.
It’s very possible that number 99 eventually sheds its unconventional reputation and becomes a standard jersey number moving forward. As long as flashy, skilled players keep donning the double-nines, its legacy and popularity will only continue growing in the future.
Conclusion
In summary, the #99 jersey occupies a unique place in basketball history. While NBA rules allow it to be worn freely, college and youth leagues have more restrictions that limit its use. But whenever given the chance, talented hoopers continue to adopt Mikan’s iconic 99 to pay homage while making their own bold statement on the court.
With young stars like Ja Morant keeping the tradition alive, number 99 remains a one-of-a-kind, instantly recognizable presence in basketball that transcends eras. For these reasons, it will likely maintain its special reputation for decades to come. So while 99 may not be legal for every player in every game, it will always symbolize excellence and launch legends whenever it appears.