NBA Basketball: Why Is It So Different From NCAA Hoops?

There are many differences between the college game and the NBA game. One is that they are on totally different levels. But, the main one, which I have seen, is the level of effort put into the game.

In the NBA, basketball is what the players do. It's their job. They play the game almost every day and night. 

In College, well it's not exactly the same. They do play basketball at an intense level but it's not their job. At least, not yet.

They play around 30 to 40 games a season. In the NBA? 82. 

So, the question is: Why are they so different? Why is the effort level different?

Well, it's simple.

The NBA plays more games than the NCAA. Which, like any other human being the player get bored. Bored of the same old thing every night. 

If you watch an NBA game (not in the playoffs), an NBA player would not start playing until the third or fourth quarter. They will wait until the game intensifies.

Look at Kobe. He directs the team for the first half. Then, when he needs to take over, he does. He hits the game winning shot.

He takes over. 

In college, the players start the game off like they're down by 10. They fight it out minute by minute like their life depends on it. 

Now, I'm not saying it's a bad thing to wait until the fourth quarter to play with heart, but what if you can't hit that game winning shot? What if you're not warmed up?

Then the player's screwed. Luckily for Kobe or LeBron, they still have it. But, when that day comes, the day they can't hit that shot. The day they can't take it into their own hands. That won't be pretty.

Now you're probably saying, "What is this guy talking about?" And, you don't have to agree with me. But, think about it. Watch an NBA game. Watch the star player. Watch how he changes and suddenly gets going. 

Then watch a college game. Watch a player always running and never standing around. 

Then you will know why.