Purpose. The aim of the study was to identify the heart rate deflection point (HRDP) and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) threshold (D_maxRPE) during the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) in university basketball players. Methods. Eleven male university basketball athletes performed two incremental tests, interspersed by seven days, in a random crossover pattern: (1) the treadmill test with the initial velocity of 6 km ‧ h^-1, increments of 1 km ‧ h^-1 each 2 minutes, and pauses of 15 seconds between the stages; (2) the Yo-Yo IR1. Results. During the Yo-Yo IR1, the HRDP and the D_maxRPE were identified only in six and seven subjects, respectively. In the treadmill test, the HRDP and the D_maxRPE were found in 11 and 10 individuals, respectively. Additionally, there were no differences between the velocity of occurrence of the HRDP and the D_maxRPE recognized in the treadmill test and in the Yo-Yo IR1 (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The results suggest that if the goal is to determine aerobic capacity by the HRDP and the D_maxRPE, Yo-Yo IR1 should not be used. Instead, the treadmill test is a reliable tool.