Basket-ball in America

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by malycia

hi!I'm a french student and I have a homework to do about basket-ball and I choose to make it on the importance of this sport in the American culture. So I'd like you just to tell me why you like this sport and why this is so important to you.
Thanks.

I like this sport because it's an American sport invented by a Canadian. The French had nothing to do with it, even though they think FEEBLE rules the sport.

[26 Year Gap]

I think it is part of the American Dream. As a kid, all you need is a ball and a hoop. You don't even need a second person. You can win NCAA, HS & NBA championships with spectacular buzzer-beating shots. It does not take a fortune to be able to play. Even if you do not realize those dreams as you grow up, you still have a seemingly unending opportunity to play for as long as your body lets you....and you still can go out in the driveway by yourself and win all of those championships.

As officials, most of us played the game and some still do. There is a lot of strategy involved whether you are a player, coach or official. Officials have an opportunity to stay close to the game for a long period of their lives. Of course, when we watch games we see them in a totally different light from others. I can imagine what the play by play and color would be like if say BBR & Rut or any number of the regular posters pre-empted Nantz & Packer on CBS. [See, I am still dreaming even now.]

[fonzzy07]

I can imagine what the play by play and color would be like if say BBR & Rut or any number of the regular posters pre-empted Nantz & Packer on CBS. [See, I am still dreaming even now.][/QUOTE]
I'd love that. It still doesnt make sense why networks dont add another analyist, an official who can explain the technicalities of the rules when they come up, instead of having former players who never knew the rules try to explain it. Add a 3rd person to the team if you will.

[rainmaker]

Basketball is one of the most accessible sports. Not a lot of money required to get started, lots of different abilities can play, and it's an interesting combination of skills -- strength, speed, agility, cunning and wit, coordination, teamwork, and so on. I think it's this combination that makes it the most interesting to the widest variety of people.

Baseball is too slow, hockey is too fast, football is too rough, golf is too effete, volleyball is too difficult to start out in, track and field events are too specialized. Basketball is like the little bear -- it's just right.

[26 Year Gap]

, golf is too effete,

Wisdom consists in having a lot to say....and not saying it.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

, golf is too effete,

Wisdom consists in having a lot to say....and not saying it.

Good one, Gappie!

[ChuckElias]

Originally Posted by fonzzy07

It still doesnt make sense why networks dont add another analyist, an official who can explain the technicalities of the rules when they come up, instead of having former players who never knew the rules try to explain it. Add a 3rd person to the team if you will.

One of the networks tried this, years ago. They had Earl Strom as part of their NBA broadcasting team. His expertise just wasn't called on often enough to make it worth keeping him around. I think only other referees think this is a good idea. Nobody else really cares if the announcers get the rule right.