So why DO we love College ball over the Pro game? Is it really because rules have created a slightly different version we enjoy more? For me that's not the case. If I cared only about watching the best athletes perform at the very highest level I'd watch the NBA and NFL. So what makes the college game compelling?
Setting aside the obvious school affiliation (which of course is a big factor for all of us) here's elements that cause ME to prefer the college game.
1) The regular season means more. There are fewer meaningless games. Can't say that about the NBA's 82 game season.
2) College players show more passion. Professionals cultivate a cool detachment while college kids let their emotions show.
3) Rivalries matter in the college game but not so much in the pros. Who's the biggest rival for Golden State?Â
4)Â Many college players play for the name on the front of the jersey rather than the one on the back.
5)Â Pageantry - Bands, Mascots, Students, Colors
6) Player growth and coaching. We get to watch good players master fundamentals during a critical 4 year period
I hope the NCAA never adopts a 24 second clock but the longer shot clock is not the reason I prefer college.
Â
Setting aside the obvious school affiliation (which of course is a big factor for all of us) here's elements that cause ME to prefer the college game.
1) The regular season means more. There are fewer meaningless games. Can't say that about the NBA's 82 game season.
2) College players show more passion. Professionals cultivate a cool detachment while college kids let their emotions show.
3) Rivalries matter in the college game but not so much in the pros. Who's the biggest rival for Golden State?Â
4)Â Many college players play for the name on the front of the jersey rather than the one on the back.
5)Â Pageantry - Bands, Mascots, Students, Colors
6) Player growth and coaching. We get to watch good players master fundamentals during a critical 4 year period
I hope the NCAA never adopts a 24 second clock but the longer shot clock is not the reason I prefer college.
Â
In 1938 Neville Chamberlain declared "Peace in our time", Superman first appeared in Action Comics, Seabiscuit beat War Admiral ....... and C.a.l last won the Rose Bowl.