Squats and deadlifts?

[daewoo]

why are squats and deadlifts so highly recommended?

[laser]

Because it involves using a lot of muscles, not just the legs.

[Shrek]

Overrated..

[spartacus]

besides lifting sports, they are just two of many exercises one can do effectively to improve their strength with regard to back and lower body.

[Goosey]

They are the best barbell exercises ever.
If you can do them properly, most haven't

[spartacus]

Bolt does neither, I wonder why

[Goosey]

Bolt does neither, I wonder why

Probably doesn't need to, in regards to this subject weight lifting for an athlete is to expose/improve the raw material to enable them to get the most out of their playing and training.

[Goosey]

I include myself in regards to squatting, dead lifting is quite simple though the only trouble is if you can't squat right you shouldn't go after the dead.

[spartacus]

I do think squats are better than deadlifts.

if I had my time again, I would have done neither. that is just my preference. I believe I would have been a better athlete by doing other exercises.

[Kyle Aaron]

Do them for 6-12 months, squat and pull a few plates, and by then you will have formed your own opinion.