Basketball, a strange world

different ways in which it can be played and presented.

It doesn’t take long to notice these differences. All one has to do is watch the Utah State men’s basketball team one night and then go play in the Fieldhouse or in a church the next night. It almost looks like two completely different sports.

If a friend asks someone if they want to come play basketball with them, one always has to ask who is playing, where it is being played and if pads are needed.

Preparing for a game at the HPER is much different from preparing for an intramural contest. Oft times, a player has no idea what they are getting themselves into.

After much careful observation, note-taking and firsthand experience, I have discovered that four different genres of basketball can be found at USU: church ball, pick-up games, intramurals and organized basketball.

Church ball is played with members of one’s church, whether it be as part of a league or just a get-together or activity.

Pick-up games are found in the Fieldhouse, HPER and other venues around the valley.

There is typically an excess of players, meaning the losing team rotates out and lets a new team play. It is not associated with any league.

Intramural games are part of a makeshift league set up by the university. It is open to all players and teams for the cost of an entry fee.

The only organized basketball found on campus are the men’s and women’s varsity teams.

In order to help identify and distinguish between the different types of basketball, here is a table comparing and contrasting the four genres of hoop at USU.

Keep in mind, these are just generalities and they apply only to the way each genre is played at USU. Each can vary depending on where it is being played.