NBA vs. NCAA

[Bostonsux013]

I searched for a similar post, but did not see anything like this so here it goes:

Ok, I feel like my buddies and I have this argument every time the NBA starts to pick up, which happens to coincide with March Madness.

The question that I will choose for the poll is as follows:

Which league is more widely followed and loved by more fans, the NBA or NCAAB?

I'd be interested to see a ratings comparison. I have looked online to find out which league does better overall with TV ratings and I haven't found much.

[Lee3691]

If you like quality basketball, NBA
The NCAA has more passionate fans though, but I am sure the NBA has better ratings

[tyler3440]

I prefer the college basketball atmosphere for sure.

[MOWJO8185]

I enjoy college more, but I don't live in a city with an NBA team. I didn't look up ratings but I would assume the NBA gets higher ratings, at least in the regular season. I could definitely see March Madness getting better ratings than some of the NBA postseason, particularly the early rounds though.

[Bostonsux013]

Sorry, forgot poll option, but I think the OP will serve for enough discussion.

[SmoothD41]

I definitely prefer college basketball, and it's not even close. I respect the incredible athleticism and skill of the NBA players, but the games themselves bore me to tears (at least until the playoffs...conference finals and finals, really). I know the college game has its flaws, but when you factor in the atmosphere, rivalries, tradition, player passion/effort, the month of March, etc. For me, it more than makes up for the occasional clunky game or head-scratching late game execution. This is a great year for college ball, too. Seems like there's a great game and/or great finish every night.

[BotheLaneFan]

NBA by the largest margin I can imagine.

[M. Steng]

Not a huge basketball guy but the NBA is garbage. Great, fantastic athletes but a terrible product.

[Roose13]

I love college over pros, but the conference finals and final in the NBA are the best basketball you'll watch every year.

[drop2d]

NCAA tournament >>>>>>>>>>>>> NBA finals

[TimHonks]

Originally Posted by drop2d

NCAA tournament >>>>>>>>>>>>> NBA finals

[BotheLaneFan]

Originally Posted by drop2d

NCAA tournament >>>>>>>>>>>>> NBA finals

Only the first weekend though.

[drop2d]

Now I will say I watch roughly 0 minutes of NCAA ball during the season (I say roughly b/c that includes how many minutes I witness whilst in a bar or at my brother's house when it's on)... but the tournament is magical. Probably the best post season format of all sports.

[TheLastPig]

NCAA basketball is infinitely more enjoyable than the NBA.

NBA basketball is like a different sport. NCAAB still retains the heart of what basketball really is.

[crashintonickdm]

Don't see this as really close

In the nba maybe 3 teams have shot at winning. NCAA usually wide open.

[kydmb99]

I still can't put my finger on why the NBA is so boring despite having amazingly talented athletes

[YouNeverKnow25]

Would be interested to hear how the NBA has somehow lost "what basketball really is"

[robthomas]

IIRC, last year's NBA finals had better numbers than the Final Four. However, last year was a bit odd with Final Four only on cable. I believe the prior year saw FF with better numbers.

[scrock25]

NBA is the far superior product. Quantity over quality is an absolutely awful argument. It says it in the marketing, Madness, that's all it is.

[ToySoldier#34]

NBA is so, freaking, awful. NCAA all the way!

[kydmb99]

Originally Posted by scrock25

NBA is the far superior product. Quantity over quality is an absolutely awful argument. It says it in the marketing, Madness, that's all it is.

I don't see anyone making a quality over quantity argument.

Also don't think a catchy marketing slogan is a tacit admission that all of the basketball is shit.

[scrock25]

Originally Posted by kydmb99

I don't see anyone making a quality over quantity argument.

Also don't think a catchy marketing slogan is a tacit admission that all of the basketball is shit.

Sounds good, ky.

[kydmb99]

Originally Posted by scrock25

Sounds good, ky.

Appreciate it scrock

[Tiduwho]

Where is the poll?

[Lee3691]

Originally Posted by TheLastPig

NCAA basketball is infinitely more enjoyable than the NBA.

NBA basketball is like a different sport. NCAAB still retains the heart of what basketball really is.

Guys who can't hit any shots, bad defense and floor slapping?

[TheLastPig]

There is nearly no organized offense in the NBA outside of pick plays and ISO plays.

And if you think there is defense in the NBA anymore, it's jump shooting and that's it. If you see a block it's on a fast break.

College basketball is much more interesting to watch to me because there is strategy actually involved and it's not dominated by superstars. Not really a question that NBA has superior talent but games are so incredibly boring.

Some individual players are very fun to watch but I have never gone out of my way to watch non playoff NBA games.

[scrock25]

Originally Posted by Lee3691

Guys who can't hit any shots, bad defense and floor slapping?

[Lee3691]

Originally Posted by TheLastPig

There is nearly no organized offense in the NBA outside of pick plays and ISO plays.

And if you think there is defense in the NBA anymore, it's jump shooting and that's it. If you see a block it's on a fast break.

College basketball is much more interesting to watch to me because there is strategy actually involved and it's not dominated by superstars. Not really a question that NBA has superior talent but games are so incredibly boring.

Some individual players are very fun to watch but I have never gone out of my way to watch non playoff NBA games.

The defense in the NBA is very, very good. Skilled, athletic guys. In college, bad offense makes some people think there is great defense happening.

The NBA regular is too long though. Playoff basketball (just like any other sport) is incredible though, with the skill and athleticism going on. I do love March Madness, but I don't feel like the intensity level increase is the same as the NBA when the NBA goes to its post season.

[TheLastPig]

Originally Posted by Lee3691

The defense in the NBA is very, very good. Skilled, athletic guys. In college, bad offense makes some people think there is great defense happening.

The NBA regular is too long though. Playoff basketball (just like any other sport) is incredible though, with the skill and athleticism going on. I do love March Madness, but I don't feel like the intensity level increase is the same as the NBA when the NBA goes to its post season.

There are phenomenal defensive players in the NBA but you hardly get to see them display it because the league is all jump shooting.

[Lee3691]

Originally Posted by TheLastPig

There are phenomenal defensive players in the NBA but you hardly get to see them display it because the league is all jump shooting.

NBA is not all jump shooting, although over the last 5 years, it has gone to more of a jump shooting league. Funny thing is that a few years ago, everyone complained that NBA didn't have enough good shooters.