2 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

from Dean Smith of North Carolina; Roy Williams at North Carolina; Jim Boeheim at Syracuse and Jim Calhoun of Connecticut are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of quality, presence and excellence.

Quick - other than Phil Jackson of the Lakers, name another NBA head coach. The NBA game is a difficult venue and although it has its allure, more quality NCAA coaches than not have found it not to their liking, assumedly in great part because they lose the ability to recruit, teach and make a difference anywhere near the extent experienced in college.

THE SKILL OF THE PLAYERS: Advantage NBA

After all, these are professionals, but even this gap is closing. The recently adopted rule requiring a high school graduate to be out of high school for one year and be 19 years of age by the end of their selected draft year has led to immensely talented players at least spending one season in the NCAA as opposed to moving directly to the NBA; thereby leading to worthwhile looks at players such as Carmelo Anthony of Syracuse (who won an NCAA title as a freshman before joining the Denver Nuggets), Kevin Durant of Texas (now with Seattle in the NBA), Greg Oden of Ohio State (lost in the NCAA Championship Game and now with Portland) and this season Michael Beasley of Kansas State, likely gone to the NBA after one spectacular season. Not only has this eligibility rule balanced the scales between the NBA and the NCAA, it has also led to a higher graduation rate among these players as the one or two years they spend in college is often enough to make them want to return to finish their degrees.

So, by a decisive five to one margin on these factors, the NCAA trumps the NBA for excitement and competition, especially in this month of March!

Learn more about this author, Pete Smits.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about College basketball vs. the National Basketball Association?
We want to hear your view. Write now!