Understanding Basketball Terminology: What Does 'Check' Mean?

Question
Why do players "check" the basketball?

Answer
Dear Diana,
Thanks for your question,

Players do check in a game. But not the basketball itself, but the offending players. A defender "checks" his opponent, in order not to loose him and he receives the basketball with no defence guarding him.

Referres also "check" the ball this time. That is touching the ball after the ball is out of play, after a foul is committed, before a free throw line etc.

Don't hesitate to ask me for more.

Yours,
Coach B.Anagnostou