I'm also working on shots for basketball, with my Rebel XT and the 50mm 1.8 lens. One advice I have, is if you feel unsatisfied with your results, keep a point n shoot in your pocket. Shoot a couple with that, compare to your Rebel's results, and you'll feel better.
Over on fredmiranda.com you can find some hints and pics. Higher end gear, but gives you an idea about settings, lenses, technique:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/719066 For indoor sports, I have resigned myself to getting "not too bad" results, with the knowledge that to move to outstanding results the equipment budget would explode.