alive:
a ball is alive when it is released by a shooter or thrower, or legally tapped by a jumper during a jump ball; the game clock starts only when the ball becomes alive; compare with live.

alternating-possession rule:
in college, the possession arrow changes direction after each subsequent jump ball situation, alternating which team gets possession for the throw-in.

assist:
the last pass to a teammate that leads directly to a field goal; the scorer must move immediately toward the basket for the passer to be credited with an assist; only 1 assist can be credited per field goal.

backboard:
the rectangular structure, 6' x 3 1/2', to which the basket is attached.

backcourt:
the area from the midcourt line to the end line furthest from the offense's basket.

ball handler:
the player with the ball; usually the point guard at the start of a play.

bank shot:
a shot where the ball is first bounced (or banked) off the backboard at such an angle that it then drops into the basket.

baseline:
see end line.

Source: http://www.firstbasesports.com/basketball_glossary.html