Which one would you pick?

[Mark Padgett]

A guy here at the assisted living center where I now reside asked me an interesting question today. At least - I thought it was interesting. He asked me which would I have preferred if it had been offered to me - working a game in the NCAA-M final four or a game in the NBA Men's finals?

I thought about it for a minute and told him I would prefer the NBA, because I could get to schmooze with the greatest players in the world.

What about you guys (and gals)? And why?

[johnny d]

NCAA-M for me. Not a big fan of the NBA and it would be more work than I would be willing to do to learn the NBA rules.

[JRutledge]

I have no desire to work the NBA. Best players in the world sure, but not the tradition and passion. I have always dreamed to work a Final Four in college. The NBA dream left very early when I found out what you had to do to get to that level.

Peace

Originally Posted by JRutledge

The NBA dream left very early when I found out what you had to do to get to that level.

What do you have to do?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by AremRed

What do you have to do?

Well you really have to go through their system. At least when I started you had to go through their camps and work a lot of Pro-Am stuff to be considered. I believe that has changed a little, but you still have to go through their system.

Peace

[bas2456]

I love the tradition and passion that comes with college basketball. While I think some of that is lost when you get to the NCAA Tournament...I think I'd rather work the Final Four.

[Mregor]

NCAA for me. It's the pure form of the sport.

[jTheUmp]

Originally Posted by Mregor

NCAA for me. It's the pure form of the sport.

This comment sponsored by GIECO, Coca-Cola, and Chevrolet.

[justacoach]

Wishful thinking.....

NBA finals, along with my 2 older sons!!!

Realistically, I would not want to embarrass them with my presence.

[Kansas Ref]

I'd choose to work the NCAA tournament ove the NBA---especially like a pod wherein the 5 seed is playing a 12 seed or a 3 vs 13 seed--something that has the historical potential for an upset. But hey I would not 'decline' a game assignment for the final four either.
I'd actually prefer to work an 8th grade catholic girls A & B game instead of an NBA game.

[justacoach]

Originally Posted by Kansas Ref

I'd actually prefer to work an 8th grade catholic girls A & B game instead of an NBA game.

I'm quite certain that could be arranged, as long as your psyche could handle it

[rsl]

NCAA-M final four game, with NBA paycheck.

[crosscountry55]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Well you really have to go through their system. At least when I started you had to go through their camps and work a lot of Pro-Am stuff to be considered. I believe that has changed a little, but you still have to go through their system.

Peace

A lot of guys have to toil in the D-League for a long time for very little take-home pay, and many never make it. That's on top of the never-ending scrutiny you get. Meanwhile you get older, you sacrifice real-world job experience, and you become less hirable when you need to get a real job (assuming you don't make it). In general it's a risk to your long term income potential. That said, for those who deem the risk acceptable, the journey can be very exciting, whether you ultimately make the leap or not.

Can't graduate from college, start officiating on the side, work for 3-4 years, and then decide you want to give pro officiating a try. Too late. The demand these days is for very young and quality officials.