NBA vs. College Basketball: The Great Debate
Earlier this week, long-time WFAN radio host Evan Roberts made a comment on air that stirred controversy in the sports world: The NBA is a better on-court product than college basketball.
In New York, many of us might agree. Aside from St. John’s, the state doesn’t have a dominant college basketball program, and the entire tri-state area isn’t exactly a hotbed for NCAA fandom. Across the Hudson in New Jersey, schools like Rutgers and Seton Hall have their followings, and UConn is a powerhouse, but the culture of college basketball is not as deeply ingrained here as in other parts of the country. Growing up in New York, we primarily watched the Knicks and Nets, making us more accustomed to the NBA game.
So when a New York radio host casually declares the NBA superior, it doesn’t raise many eyebrows locally. However, outside of our region, Roberts’ comment sparked backlash, with critics arguing that he must not watch enough college basketball to make such a statement.
The Case for the NBA
If you’ve followed this blog, you know I’m not the biggest fan of the current NBA style of play. There are too many three-pointers, not enough defense, and at times, it feels like every game is an All-Star Game. That being said, NBA players are elite—lethal shooters, freak athletes, and polished professionals. The talent level is simply unmatched in college basketball.
From a pure entertainment perspective, NBA games are often more visually appealing. Every team in the league shoots at a higher percentage than the top NCAA teams, both from three-point range and the free-throw line. Watching more shots go in is, generally, more fun.
The Case for College Basketball
Take St. John’s for example. There’s a lot of excitement around the team in 2025, with a top-10 ranking for the first time in a quarter-century. But they aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard—shooting under 45% from the field, below 30% from three, and less than 70% at the line. However, under Rick Pitino, they play an aggressive, hard-nosed brand of basketball. They crash the boards, press for most of the second half, and hustle relentlessly. It may be ugly, but it’s also beautiful in its own way.
These are the kinds of qualities you don’t often see in the NBA. Aside from the Knicks in 2023-24, few NBA teams play with that same level of grit. The league is designed for offense, and while that’s great for scoring highlights, it lacks the raw, physical intensity of the college game.
Roberts’ main point was that college players are, after all, just kids. They miss more shots, make more mistakes, and commit more sloppy fouls. The game is unquestionably rougher around the edges. But in my opinion, it’s also more fundamental. If I were teaching my (hypothetical) children the game of basketball, I’d want them to watch NCAA games, not NBA games.
A New Appreciation for NCAA Basketball
As New Yorkers, we might not have the same attachment to college basketball as fans in the Midwest or the South, but there’s plenty to root for. St. John’s is making waves, and other programs in the region—like my alma mater, Marist University—are gaining traction. In fact, Marist is off to its best start in school history, with a real shot at making the NCAA Tournament.
Conclusion: No Right or Wrong Answer
At the end of the day, both the NBA and college basketball offer something unique. There’s no definitive answer as to which is better—it’s all about preference. Some fans love the polish and skill of the NBA, while others appreciate the heart and intensity of the college game.
What do you think? Do you prefer the NBA’s star power or college basketball’s passion? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Tough Money Sports 