[fullmetal]

Possibilities:  greater quickness and speed, greater tolerance for scoring in traffic, higher level of intensity on defense. 

Formally the components of athleticism are strength, speed, power, agility, endurance (anaerobic and aerobic capacity), mobility (flexibility), balance, coordination, and stability.  But usually when people talk about it in the context of basketball, they often focus on speed and agility, and to a lesser extent balance and coordination.

BC

Agreed.  Functionally, this means not getting beat on defense, not being called for moving screens, and also being able to consistently drive the lane on offense, creating your own shot.  Athletic players definitely need ball handling skills commensurate with their speed and acceleration.

[fullmetal]

Possibilities:  greater quickness and speed, greater tolerance for scoring in traffic, higher level of intensity on defense. 

Formally the components of athleticism are strength, speed, power, agility, endurance (anaerobic and aerobic capacity), mobility (flexibility), balance, coordination, and stability.  But usually when people talk about it in the context of basketball, they often focus on speed and agility, and to a lesser extent balance and coordination.

BC

Agreed.  Functionally, this means not getting beat on defense, not being called for moving screens, and also being able to consistently drive the lane on offense, creating your own shot.  Athletic players definitely need ball handling skills commensurate with their speed and acceleration.