in international play, why #4 through #15?

[f.t.w.]

why hold a twelve man roster to twelve particular numbers? why the numbers five through fifteen? could there be a good reason? is there some kind of history or an anecdote behind it? anyone?

[JohnnyKnoxville]

Because it allows the ref to show the numbers to the scorers table without having to say them.
In the NBA, the ref has to say the number out loud even if he signals something with his hands, but this could lead to problems in very loud arenas.

In FIBA basketball, the ref shows numbers 0-10 with his fingers; when he has to show numbers 11-20, he crosses over his hands (so left hand is right and vice versa) and again shows the numbers with his fingers. So showing 4 fingers would mean number 4, and when the hands are crossed over number 14.

Not sure why 1-3 and 16-20 are not allwed though, and I am also not sure about the origin of that rule. Still, hope this helps.

[Donatello]

why hold a twelve man roster to twelve particular numbers? why the numbers five through fifteen? could there be a good reason? is there some kind of history or an anecdote behind it? anyone?

i don't know but your avatar deeply bothers me. ken jennings ruined my life.

[J@3]

Is that the geeky fucker from Jeopardy? Explain.

[nikolass127]

The reason is just calling the player with his hands.
And not 1, 2 and because the have to raise their hand with those numbres when somebody is shooting.

4. Right Hand, four fingers
5. Right Hand, Five fingers
6. Right Hand, Five fingers - Left Hand, 1 Finger
7. Right Hand, Five fingers - Left Hand, 2 Fingers
8. Right Hand, Five fingers - Left Hand, 3 Fingers
9. Right Hand, Five fingers - Left Hand, 4 Fingers
10. Right Hand, Five fingers - Left Hand, 5 Fingers
11. Right Hand, Fist Close - Left Hand, 1 Finger
12. Right Hand, Fist Close - Left Hand, 2 Fingers
13. Right Hand, Fist Close - Left Hand, 3 Fingers
14. Right Hand, Fist Close - Left Hand, 4 Fingers
15. Right Hand, Fist Close - Left Hand, 5 Fingers