Abstract: A height adjustable basketball standard, including a fixed support pole configured to support a backboard assembly above a playing surface. A lifting link is provided which includes a base end, a traveling end, and a hollow section therebetween. The base end of the lifting link is pivotally coupled to the fixed support pole while the traveling end is pivotally coupled to the backboard assembly. A parallel link is also included and positioned within at least a portion of the hollow section of the lifting link, the parallel link including a parallel base end pivotally coupled to the fixed support pole and a parallel traveling end pivotally coupled to the backboard assembly. A drive mechanism, coupled to the support pole and engaging the lifting link is configured to provide a force which is sufficient to pivot the lifting link relative to the fixed support pole, thereby adjusting the height of the backboard assembly relative to the playing surface.