A height adjustable basketball standard comprises a fixed support pole, configured to support a backboard assembly above a playing surface. A lifting link has a base end and a traveling end. The base end is pivotally coupled to the fixed support pole and the traveling end is pivotally coupled to the backboard assembly. A parallel link has 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 is coupled to the support pole and engages the lifting link. The drive mechanism 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. The drive mechanism engages the lifting link in a manner sufficient to vertically move the backboard assembly about 1 inch upon moving the force application point of the lifting arm about ⅕ of an inch.