What is with this attitude

[Oz Referee]

Originally posted by Oz Referee

I think it is interesting to note that FIBA and NBA (I can't speak for NF or NCAA) rules seem to be slowly gravitating towards each other and forming a compromise.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BktBallRef
And why do you think that is? Could it be that FIBA has moved more towards the NBA rule standard since the NBA became involved in international play in 1992?

Let's face it, basketball is a global game, that is part of what makes it great. There are more non-americans than Americans playing the game.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BktBallRef
I'm sure you can get us the figures to support such a bold statement.



1. Funny, I would have said that the NBA is moving just as much towards FIBA as FIBA is to the NBA. Have a look at the "illegal defence" rule which is the most obvious (but not only) example.

2. Do the math. Say the percentage of Americans that play organised basketball (not counting pickup games) is 10% that is approximately 30 million people. Which is less that 1% of the total population of the world. Just look at countries like China, Brazil, Germany, Nigeria, Australia, Canada, etc where basketball is already very popular, and growing exponentially.