re: Basketball is more cerebral than football

I do not think basketball is nearly as cerebral as football.

basketball requires instant reaction in real time. there are few variations. in fact, its my observation that even pro players do not exhibit basic skills. Shaq/Wilt could not shoot free throws, even though Rick Barry used a technique that they could have. People were shooting well underhanded before Wilt. Shaq and Wilt did not master the skill because it was not considered macho enough. You do not get that kind of refusal to submit to process in Football.
Guys get by in basketball being able to do only one or two skills, or even have no skills but are tall or athletic.