(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Rules
NBA—Six fouls, 48 minutes, 24 second shot clock, eight seconds to get over half court.
The rules in the NBA lean towards the one-on-one game. The introduction of the “zone” has made it better.
College—Five fouls, 40 minutes, 35 second shot clock, 10 seconds to get over half court.
The college game leans towards team play and strategy.
If the college game would increase the foul limit to six and increase minutes, this would not be a contest. But they have yet to do it.
Winner = NBA. Sometimes five fouls just isn't enough.
Referrees
NBA—I am not even going to factor the case of a certain ref named Tim into this equation; that would be unfair. Some experts say that refs control the games in the NBA more than any other element, and can then pick a winner and it becomes obvious in the way they call the game.
The league has been calling touch fouls on anyone in the area of their stars for years, but now, anyone can get ticky-tack fouls on their way to the basket and on the perimeter. Prime example—hand checks.
College—Every time a player steps on the court, they have to be ready to adjust to whomever calls the game. The same is true in the NBA, but I think the refs are a little more consistent. Plus, the way the game is called usually allows the players to play a little more, which is why we watch.
Winner = College. Give the players a chance to play.
Coaches
NBA—The coaches on certain teams are more high school counselor than NBA coach. Teams are made up of grown men who are trying to make a living and have egos as big—or bigger than most of their second homes.
In the association, unless you are a top-tier coach, you are more expendable than the worst players on their teams. Coaches rarely get credit for wins, but always get the blame for loses.
Breaking into the ranks of head coach is more difficult in the NBA than any other sport, but once you are in the coaching carousal, even if you are fired, you stay on the ride.
College—Coaches are the face of the program. And everyone is very aware of that. Some would say that coaches in college have bigger egos and need to be the center of attention than their counterparts in the league.
A college coach's duties are pretty year round and always changing with the different roster that appears each season. You have recruiting and players leaving early, which means the ability to adjust on the fly is very important.
There is a better chance for coaches to get their “break” and land a good job.
Winner = NBA. Longer season, but recruiting is not in the job description. And you don’t have to deal with alumni.
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