CBA.

The Continental Basketball Association, a professional league owned by Isaiah Thomas, a former NBA superstar, and affiliated with the NBA. The best CBA players are sometimes awarded NBA contracts, as was the case with John Starks, Anthony Mason and Adrian Griffin.

Center.

A position in Basketball, the center of the offense, often played by the team's tallest player. The center is primarily called upon to take the tip-off and to stay close to the basket, in a post position where he can alter or block shot attempts, rebound and relay on close-range offensive moves, rather than jump shots , to score. Also referred to as the pivot man or the # 5 position.

Center Circle.

12-foot circular area in the center of the court with a 4-foot jumping circle in its center from which jump balls are taken to start a period .

Center Line.

A line midway between and parallel to the baselines that divides the court into halves. Also known as: "division line", "midcourt line", ten-seconds line and "time line".

Center Official.

When there are three referees working a game, the referee who is primarily responsible for action between the free-throw line extended and the midcourt area marker . See also: Lead Official; and Trail Official.