Don't ask, "You want to do a pre-game?" Instead ask, "If we have a double whistle on a drive to the basket, how do you want to handle it?" The second question requires a basketball-related answer; it's not just yes or no answer. Other possible ice-breakers:
- "How do you want to handle a drive from the T's sideline?"
- "How do you want to handle a last-shot when the Trail has to administer the throw-in from the backcourt?"
- "Do you warn post players, or whistle right away?"
- "If I miss an OOB call, are you going to come to me or just blow the whistle and signal?"
- "If there's a high trap and the ball goes out on the L's sideline, should I whistle and look to you for help, or will you just blow that line?"
Some guys will never do a pre-game, but maybe those will help get things started next time.