Choices, Choices: College vs. Professional Sports | Lifestyle

Choices, Choices: College vs. Professional Sports

by DeniseISmithson

One of the classic debates in sports is which is better, amateur competition in the collegiate ranks or professional competition in our sports leagues. People stand firmly on each side of the issue, and some people will even feel differently from sport to sport. The two most popular sports that face this comparison and debate are football and basketball.

Collegiate basketball has an amazing thing working in its advantage, the March Madness tournament. It's a fantastic time of the year when anything is possible. Teams that are outmatched and unheard of can get it together for one night and beat an established power. Dozens and dozens of games are held in a short amount of time, meaning there is jam packed action. There is of course ample room for betting, which adds to people's interest in the event.

College basketball fans argue that the collegiate form of the sport is purer, with most of the players in it simply for the love of the game. The passion of the players is matched by that of the fans, many of whom have lifelong loyalty to their favorite teams, often exceeding that accorded to the NBA teams.

Professional basketball fans aren't necessarily given to knocking college basketball (since many if not most fans actually enjoy both), but argue that the NBA offers a superior level of play and competition. They aver that the league provides fans with an opportunity to watch the sport played by the nation's very best players.

The seven game series format means that the best team will usually end up winning, which means that justice is usually served and the long season that takes place before the postseason is worthwhile. Detractors will point to that though and say that it takes some of the magic out of the game, and as upsets are less likely to happen and miracles are less likely to be seen.

When it comes to football the main topic usually relates to the playoffs and the way the champion is determined. Detractors of college football can't stand the Bowl Championship Series. There isn't a playoff format where each team gets to prove themselves. Rather the competition is determined by voting and by computer formulas. You can be a great team, maybe even the best team in the country at the end of the season, but if you aren't ranked 1 or 2, than you have no chance at winning a championship. This makes the bowl season and the championship game somewhat dubious.

Meanwhile fans of the college game will say that this format makes the regular season much more exciting. Since one loss can permanently knock you out of championship contention, each and every game is of equal importance. Every moment is huge, and a team must strive for perfection throughout the year. They argue that in pro football mediocre teams can have a chance to play with the best at the end of the year, making the regular season less worthwhile.

The arguments for which is better, collegiate or professional sporting, will never be settled easily. Those who feel one way are likely to keep that point of way. The great thing is that you can choose to watch what you want and enjoy each league and level of competition for their differences and specific strengths.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

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