Steve and Dru both have VERY understanding wives. E. Thayne is not married. They became hooked on basketball as a result of the excitement of Illinois high school competition. Every game in grade school and high school was a life or death experience. There is just something about basketball that makes E. Thayne wax almost poetic.
Fans can be very close to the players and can influence the outcome of the game.
The athleticism of college basketball players is on display continuously. You're right there with them on the court. The frequency of spectacular athleticism is seen much less often in baseball or football. While each was a serious basketball fan, and went to lots of games, they didn't start counting teams they had seen and seeking those they had not until 1990. We all went home and checked our programs, ticket stubs, etc., and found that we had seen somewhere in the 65-75 range each.