Introduction: While several meta-analyses have quantitatively examined plyometric training effects, many combined it with other modalities (e.g., strength training) or did not focus exclusively on basketball players. This systematic review and meta-analysis therefore aimed to quantitatively evaluate the independent effect of plyometric training on lower-body explosive power and sprint performance specifically in basketball athletes, focusing on countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and 20-meter sprint outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and SportDiscus up to 24 September 2025. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies comparing plyometric training with control conditions in basketball players were included. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled Hedges` g with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using I2 statistics and funnel plots with Egger`s test. Results: Seventeen studies involving 444 participants were included. The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in countermovement jump (g = 0.77, 95% CI 0.42-1.11) and squat jump (g = 0.86, 95% CI 0.52-1.20) following plyometric training, with minimal heterogeneity for squat jump (I2 = 0.5%) but considerable heterogeneity for countermovement jump (I2 = 67.6%). A small but significant effect was found for 20-meter sprint performance (g = -0.39, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.05), with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis based on training duration showed no significant difference in countermovement jump outcomes. Conclusion: Standalone plyometric training is effective for enhancing vertical jump performance in basketball players, particularly squat jump, but has limited transfer to 20-meter sprint performance. Future research should focus on standardized intervention designs and consider moderating factors such as training volume and athlete characteristics. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD420251179252, identifier CRD420251179252.
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