NCAA vs. NBA: Know Your Basketball

For those who have spent time watching basketball, it's pretty obvious the game involves a basketball, a court, and some talented game players. Professional basketball teams draw many of their players from the college ranks, and when you first look, college and pro ball appear pretty much the same. If you take a closer look, however, you'll start to notice that there are some pretty important differences in how the game is played at each level. In addition to quarters (NBA) versus halves (NCAA), 3-point shooting distances, and different rules regarding fouling, there are other important differences to consider. Getting a handle on these differences can help deepen your appreciation for the game.

Possessions are handled slightly differently between the NBA and the NCAA. In the NBA, if there is any disputation as to which team gets possession of the ball, the conflict is resolved with a jump ball. By contrast, in college ball, the only jump ball is the opening tip. Possession simply goes back and forth between teams, with a