There is little difference between this league and the NBA. They share the same fast-paced action, same intensity, some of the same players and the same love of the game.
It's this love that brings players of all levels together on summer nights in the Bay Area Pro-Am League.
"It was an attempt to bring some of the local Bay Area talent around ... and put them in a Class A structured league, that the public can come and enjoy in the summer free of charge," said John Greenberg, who founded the league in 1979.
The league offers players a chance to keep in shape over the summer, get some experience, match up their game against some of the NBA talent and be seen by scouts from teams in Europe as well as the NBA.
"It's kind of a fun league, but serious.... I like to call it an opportunity league, because it does present opportunities to a lot of the players to be seen by scouts," Greenberg said.
Rex Walters, who previously starred for the University of Kansas and is now in the NBA, has played in the league for four or five years.
"It's a good way to stay in shape in the off-season," Walters said. "I just got to play as much as I can, get as much game time on the floor as I can."
Looking around the stands at one game it was obvious that GreenbergŐs vision was working. Community spirit filled the arena. Kids played, parents talked about news and community events and elderly people talked happily among themselves.
On the court, there was enthusiasm and intensity. There were real fouls, real plays and real emotions. Amateurs played like pros with amazing confidence and pros just blended in.
Coaches also enjoy the level of talent in the league, be it pro or amateur.
Reubin Luna has been coaching in Pro-Am for several years and feels that the league is purposeful.
"We've got guys who are intelligent players and understand how to play basketball so itŐs very easy for me as a coach. I make a couple of suggestions ... and they're innovative enough to take it from there,Ó Luna said.
Players appreciate the crowd and hope to offer some inspiration for aspiring youths.
"I hope they enjoy watching us play, and try to pick up some of these things these guys can do.... We hope everyone enjoys what they're seeing," Walters said.