Fast-paced game full of unusual characters. Review on Basketball

Basketball, in theory, is quite simple. The idea, of course, is to shoot a ball through a 10-foot goal and to keep opponents for doing the same thing. Each team has five players. Simple, huh?

In actuality, basketball is one of the fastest-moving games you're likely to find. The emphasis is on running up and down the court, leaping about and other such things. Indeed, players look tired as all get out after each game, and the strategies involved all center around one thing -- getting past the other team for a clear shot at the basket through either speed or sheer force. Indeed, the game is fast-paced and physical, and fun as can be on television.

Now, the major problem facing the National Basketball Association is the reputation of players. Sadly, the NBA has its fair share of dope heads and criminals in the ranks, and the attention those folks get when they get into trouble takes the spotlight off the fine players who do nothing that could hurt their ability to dominate on the court.

Until this year, in fact, there was a lot of attention given to the thugs in the NBA (who, by the way, are in the minority) and not a whole lot given to the teams and players who are a credit to the game. This year, of course, all eyes are on Michael Jordan as he has come out of retirement and has stirred up the national interest in good ol' American basketball. That's right. Ol' Jordan is back rushing past defenders, mouthing at people and causing arenas to be sold out whenever he's on the court. Is he a walking commercial? Maybe, but he's also the greatest player the game has ever seen. Yay for MJ!

Another source of aggravation for basketball fans in general -- and college basketball fans in particular -- is the increased number of college kids who turn pro and leave their collegiate teams after only playing for a year or two. This leads to a watered-down talent pool in the NBA and has frustrated the heck out of college coaches who put together fantastic teams and watch their key players leave for the NBA in droves. That's all too bad, of course.

However, basketball is nothing but pure action, and is a far cry from slower-moving sports such as baseball. The defenses and strategies utilized in the NBA are complex and amazing, and the game is enjoyed by folks who want to see constant movement and scoring. Fortunately, people are starting to pay more attention these days to the athleticism displayed by fine players rather than the off-court antics of a few thugs.

The only thing that bothers me about watching basketball is the inconsistent foul-calling. I suppose the game moves too fast for extremely accurate officiating, but some fouls that are called seem a bit petty when compared with the blatant ones that players get away with regularly.

So, basketball in the U.S. is big business, and with good reason -- the game is an American invention, and is simply lapped up by fans who want to see both hard-driving players and jump shots that are works of art. While college basketball is fine and dandy (I catch my beloved Arkansas Razorbacks on television or live at Bud Walton Arena whenever I can), the NBA is the place to go for the maximum in speed, action and cunning.