DIET ARY HABITS AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE AMONG BASKETBALLATHLETES IN A SELECTED UNIVERSITY INFUJIAN PROVINCE,CHINA.

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in determining the performance and recovery of basketball athletes. Proper eating and drinking habits can significantly impact an athlete’s energy levels, endurance, muscle recovery, and overall performance on the court (Al -Qahtani & Al-Mutairi, 2021) . One of the most critical aspects of an athlete\'s diet is the balance of macronutrients —carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carbohydrates are essential for providing the energy required during high-intensity activities such as basketball games and training sessions (Hassan & Youssef, 2022) . Research indicates that basketball players who consume adequate carbohydrates perform better and experience less fatigue during games compared to those who do not (Ahmed & Saeed, 2023) . Protein intake is crucial for muscle repair and growth, particularly after intense training or competition. Basketball athletes need to ensure they consume enough protein to support muscle recovery and reduce the risk of injury (Al-Qahtani & Al-Mutairi, 2021) . Studies have shown that athletes with higher protein intake have better muscle strength and endurance, which are vital for performance in basketball (Hassan & Youssef, 2022) .