Is college basketball harder than the NBA? If you are someone (like many of us) who has played through the ‘MyCareer’ mode in NBA 2K16, your answer would be a definite ‘NO’. However, in real life, certain examples often come out that highlight difficulties at the collegiate level that one would not necessarily find in the premier basketball league of the world. Not only does a collegiate player have to deal with a wider range of opponents, they also have to throw more hits because of the shorter season. How you make a mark in your respective college determines your future in the NBA. Plus, one has to do all this while—as Hercy Miller revealed—looking to maintain an important aspect about yourself: Individuality.
The Southern Utah Thunderbirds guard, and son of renowned American rapper Master P, was recently interviewed by EssentiallySports’ very own Andrew Whitelaw. During the conversation, the young star was asked about the most important thing about flourishing in college basketball. Having played 4 college seasons for 3 different teams, the player should certainly have realized the answer now.
However, the player brought in what he had not even experienced yet when giving his answer, stating “I think just showing who you are, you know. Just being confident in who you are. You know, college is a….. it’s different from the pro, It’s different from high school. You got to be able to work in a system, and also showcase who you really are, without trying to change your game. So I guess that’s just the hard part for some players”.
When someone reaches the NBA, they have already proven themselves to be amongst the best that the world of basketball has to offer. In college, one is still trying to figure out their place. College is the place where one gains comprehension and awareness about different shooting systems and how to best win as a team.
According to reports, learning curves are relative to the competitive gap shrinking at each level, and understanding the when/what/where regarding the best shot selection only comes from maturity within an offensive system—something that takes time. As a result, shot-making tends to be less proficient for freshmen in college compared to seniors. Similar to how rookies chase veterans in the pros.
As highlighted by College Insider, the level of competition is greater in college as “There’s no money involved, no endorsement deals, and no agents looking after their interests”. Whoever is playing is doing so for the love of the game, and giving their best. Plus, NBA playoffs cannot carry the same level of competition as March Madness.
Therefore, with the love for the sport and competition being at a higher level, the only way one can succeed is through team work. In place of teamwork, shining individualism often takes a back seat. Sure, certain names like Cooper Flagg, Paige Bueckers, and Caitlin Clark eventually rise over the others. However, as a June 2018 Bleacher Report article highlighted, “Most college teams have one or two superstars and mostly role players.” In the NBA, players like Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and Jaxson Hayes can rise individually on the same level as LeBron James and Luka Doncic. In the NCAA, however, only a few team players leave a memorable mark—a price to pay if one can eventually win a season, or even March Madness.
There are 82 games in an NBA season, as compared to 30 in a collegiate season. The limited games, the higher passion, and greater competition mean that one simply cannot survive in college basketball if they do not follow a system. And to realize this difference, one just has to watch a big college game vs. an NBA game. However, things like these should not discourage aspiring players from worrying about what college basketball can mean for their future. After all, some of the best NBA players went unnoticed in college.
Jimmy Butler’s “defensive oriented role” at the college basketball level
Which one of us in the NBA fandom hasn’t gotten to love and appreciate Jimmy Butler over the years? The veteran kicked off his career by making a mark within the Chicago Bulls franchise, eventually became the face of the Miami Heat, and has now reignited the playoff hopes for Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. However, would it surprise you to know that in college, Butler was far from the player he is today?
Throughout 3 seasons at Marquette University, Jimmy Butler averaged 12 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. However, as highlighted by the official NBA account, the then 6-6 skinny kid was only “merely a defensive oriented role player”. His coach reportedly regularly commanded him to throw the ball ‘to the good players’. In fact, the player reportedly wanted to quit the team because the coaching staff challenged him.
Mar 3, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) on defense during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
In the end, Butler became the last pick in the first round of the 2011 draft. He did not break out until his fourth year in the league. However, today, the player that he is stands for everyone to admire.
Jimmy Butler’s story stands as a testament to how things can be different on the collegiate and the pro level. The difficulties one faces in college should not define how things go for them in the NBA. If Hercy Miller does make his way to the pro level eventually, one hopes that he forms his own system after having followed a different one for years.
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