Which of the following best describes Ty, the basketball player who focuses on outperforming his peers?

A player who focuses on outperforming his peers is best described as having an ego involvement orientation. This orientation is characterized by a greater concern for one's own performance relative to others, prioritizing the result of competition and personal success. In Ty's case, his motivation stems from a desire to be perceived as superior to his teammates and opponents, leading him to measure his success against theirs.

In contrast, a task-involved athlete typically emphasizes personal improvement, skill development, and mastery of the sport, focusing on individual progress rather than comparison to others. A team-focused student would concentrate on collective success, valuing teamwork and contributing to the team's performance rather than personal accolades. Consequently, Ty’s competitive nature aligns with the notion of being ego involved, as he seeks validation and success through outperforming others rather than through personal or team achievements.