I often watch basketball games, while practicing banjo licks during commercial breaks. This has inspired a few observations:

• Both banjo and basketball are played on "Rocky Top."
• Both are round.
• Both play "string music."
• Both have hoops, rims, keys, and brackets.
• Both utilize the "pick and roll."
• Banoj picks are always moving. In basketball, moving picks are illegal.
• Both are best played in an up-tempo style, featuring "fast breaks."
• The Banjo has a fretboard. Basketball has a backboard.
• Banjo has one player and 5 strings. Basketball has 5 players on the first string.
• Banjo has one string shorter than the rest. Basketball has a point guard.
• In basketball fouls are penalized. Banjos are foul only to those who don't appreciate fine music.
• I have never dribbled a banjo, although I have drooled over a few.
• Contrary to popular belief, neither banjo nor basketball originated in Kentucky.