Quote:
Originally posted by drothamel
The athletic ability of the players that are in the NBA is far beyond that of the college players. The game has to be played differently. The game has to be officiated differently. On average, the players are simply bigger, faster and stronger. It makes a big difference.
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Why does the game have to be played differently? Just because they can shoot better, dribble faster, and move quicker does not mean it has be played differently from a rules perspective. Now there will be different plays, because as you say the players are better. They will wow us in ways the majority of the NCAA players wont. However they can do that within the rules because they are better. Just because they are highly skilled does that mean we have to allow them to travel? Does that mean we have to allow them to displace a player along the baseline (Shaq)? No, not in my opinion.
Quote:
Originally posted by drothamel
One thing I know for sure is that the play in the NBA is not because of the ability of the officials. Those are the best basketball officials in the world.
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I agree, however, one of the reasons we are awed by the players in the NBA is because the officials allow them to get away with stuff. Jordan dunking from the free throw line. Many times he traveled. Now, don't get me wrong. I also believe the level of play in the NBA has improved because of the players. But some of it is no-calls as well. Part of the reason the NBA has changed is because the officiating has changed to allow these infractions to occur. I'm not blaming the refs. They are doing their job and they are doing it well. They are better officials than I am and probably ever will be. They are doing what they are told to do. I just know that I prefer HS and NCAA ball better because they call the game more consitently relative to the rule book. I'm not saying the NCAA or HS refs are better. I'm saying I like the officiating philosophy better.