Premise: That's the problem with basketball stars.

Hypothesis: There is a problem with basketball stars.
Answer: yes

Premise: Sane adolescents seeing either of these films would understand that it is the violent characters who are supposed to be deranged--in the case of The Basketball Diaries because of drugs.

Hypothesis: Insane adolescents seeing either film might conclude that the violent characters aren't deranged.
Answer: it is not possible to tell

Premise: They think it's unlikely the United States can capture him, and even if we do, it's not clear that he can be prosecuted.

Hypothesis: The US can certainly catch him.
Answer: no

Premise: From the Alps down to the southern tip of Sicily, Italy provides the most tangible proof that the world is indeed a wonderous stage.

Hypothesis: Italy is completely flat.
Answer: no