Is Watching College Basketball Exciting?
College basketball is more popular than you think. Most game attendances range between 16,000 and 18,000 fans. On top of this, popular streaming networks – such as ESPN+ and YouTube TV – regularly broadcast college basketball games throughout the season due to high demand. Make no doubt about it; college basketball deserves your attention.
Having said all of this, is college basketball truly exciting? The short and simple answer is yes – even when compared to NBA games. Here’s a closer look at why:
1. College Basketball Betting
You might be surprised to learn that you can actually bet on college basketball games. The concept is exactly the same as NBA betting:
- Choose your type of bet (e.g., moneyline or point totals)
- Wager your money
- Wait to see if your bet wins or loses
Recently, many NBA and college basketball fans have started to use betting models, much like the one at shotqualitybets.com. A betting model like this one analyzes data from college basketball teams and players to predict more accurate outcomes. In other words, your bets are more likely to be successful because they’re based on data and statistics rather than instinct and feeling. Still, it doesn’t guarantee results – anything can happen in basketball!
2. Young and Firesome Players
The average age of a college basketball player is 21-ish. This is great from an entertainment perspective, as players are hungry and eager to succeed. As a result, college basketball games are fast-paced and energetic thanks to players such as Armando Bacot (North Carolina Tar Heels) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (Indiana Hoosiers). If you notice a young player that impressed you, then it’s worth following them on Instagram so that you can keep up-to-date with their journey until they (potentially) get drafted by an NBA team.
3. Potential NBA Prospects
Throughout history, countless NBA players have made their starts in the NCAA. This includes Magic Johnson, James Harden, and Stephen Curry. Essentially, college basketball is where players are nurtured and prepared for the NBA and other big basketball leagues worldwide. Not every college basketball prospect makes it to the NBA – but a large portion of them do.
4. Meaningful Games
In an NBA season, each team plays 82 games – which is a lot. Usually, these games aren’t truly important until the final quarter of the season. With college basketball, though, this isn’t the case. This is because every game is meaningful. Each player gives their all on the court so that they can build their resume and catch the eyes of NBA teams and scouts. This makes for exciting and impactful seasons from beginning to end.
5. Passionate Fans
Sure, NBA fans are passionate – but they arguably aren’t as passionate as college basketball fans. If you go to any college basketball game, you’ll see that most fans go crazy in the stands while supporting their team. Everyone is kitted out in merchandise as they cheer for every dunk and 3-pointer. When it comes to the most passionate fan base, this has to be rewarded to the Duke Blue Devils, who have earned themselves a reputation for being the loudest in the stadium.
photo credit: Phil Roeder / Flickr
