It’s important to understand that arousal about competitions and anxiety are not the same. The levels of arousal in a game like basketball can determine the amount of success a player can experience working the bar, either high or low.
Depending on how high or low arousal levels are, and how well the player can handle it, will ultimately determine the outcome of the competition.
Many basketball players have fallen apart right before their competition as they were unable to handle the anxiety that unfortunately comes with any sport.