If you're from the Midwest and you've ever watched basketball with your dad, then there is one phrase which you have heard and believed for most of your life: "College basketball is better than the NBA". Now, inherently, I cannot argue against this point as it is opinion, but for much of my life I believed this to be true until only recently. Now, I'm almost certain that no one here believes that NBA players are worse than college; I can only imagine the damage that Giannis or LeBron would impose on spindly 19 and 20 year-olds in the Big Ten. The argument here is that overall as a product, college basketball is better than the NBA- in terms of fundamentals, individual egos, and teamwork. For much of my young life, I looked to college basketball as the way the game was supposed to be played, while the NBA was just a commercialized form of basketball. College fans usually stereotype the NBA, saying that dribbling is merely a suggestion, the players and their personalities are annoying, coaching has little effect, fouls are called too frequently, or any combination of the above (another less common criticism is that the players are too good and make the fans feel inadequate). While in some instances this is the case (James Harden for just about all four), once you start watching the NBA somewhat frequently, you'll realize that most of these are just stereotypes that are often false.
Traveling never being called in the NBA has long been a staple. Despite popular belief however, the past few years have seen the rate of travel calls rise to the highest in decades. Still, I understand the general frustration; big time travel calls are missed more significantly in the NBA than in college, partly due to the higher speed and more intense nature of the game. While this can be an issue, I've watched plenty of NBA games and I cannot particularly recall a time when a travel call massively impacted the outcome of the game. Yes, travel calls are missed, but they are called much more than you think and the referees take good care of making sure that the rules are followed properly.
What about the perception that players are egotistical and selfish teammates? In some instances, I would definitely agree that there are NBA players out there who prefer their team playing in a way that would benefit them personally much more than the team. But the overall perception seems way off to me. People see players arguing calls and assume they complain the second things don't go their way, but you have to remember these people are hyper-competitive. Part of the reason they made it to this high of a league is that they are very competitive by nature and have extreme confidence in their abilities. Sometimes this rubs people the wrong way, but with so many spotlights on you, it becomes very easy to anger someone with your personality.
Finally, it wasn't until the last few years of watching NCAA games that I realized just how bad college basketball is. In past years, a team or teams would emerge at the beginning of the year, setting themselves far apart from the pack and occasionally changing rankings before the tournament. Good teams generally performed well and made it far before losing, except for obviously the teams that won the whole thing. Recently, the NCAA has seen more parity than ever before. While this can be exciting, it doesn't necessarily equate to better basketball being played. Think back to when Duke lost to Stephen F. Austin at home earlier this year. While the Lumberjacks had an impressive game to pull off the upset, Duke went 24-40 (60%) from the free throw line, and had 22 turnovers. Stephen F Austin notably was only 2!!!-10 (20%!!!!!!!!) from 3 and committed 29 fouls. Not exactly a polished game for them, but they got the win. The first game of the year, between preseason number 3 Kansas and 4 Duke. These two supposed elite teams combined for 44 turnovers and 30-49 from the charity stripe (61.2%). Duke shot 35.9% from the field and won. Speaking as someone who watched the game, it was awful basketball. While March Madness is great, and one of the most exciting events of the year, college basketball still cannot make up how big the skill gap has gotten between its average team and the average NBA team.
Obviously this is all opinion. I know countless people who will defend college basketball to their death and that is entirely up to you, but think about how you answer the question. Think they don't play team basketball? Look up literally any mid 2000s Spurs passing video on YouTube and be amazed at how every player knew where their teammates would be. Think the players are selfish? Look at LeBron James and all the work his foundation has done, namely creating a new school to help educate kids while providing them two meals and a snack, a bicycle, busing, and food or education services for their parents if needed. Just general preference or tradition that you follow it? That's fine, you do what you want, I just want people to understand the truth about NBA basketball instead of living in their assumptions. Disagree with me? That's cool, after all, part of the fun in sports is arguing over meaningless things.
Growing up I used to think the same thing, college basketball is better because they play more fundamental, and that was a typical boomer answer. The skill level of the NBA and the way the game is played so much more fluid is astounding to me. People that say that coaching doesn’t take a part as much in the NBA I think have a valid point, but when you think of it these players should already be at or close to the top of their game once they come to the league. I could go on and on but these are just a few of my thoughts.
The NBA is better unless you enjoy bricked 20 footers and 30 turnovers per game. Deal with it.