Most people will miss the first two weeks of the NBA season like Donovan McNabb misses Terrell Owens.

In fact, it’s looking more and more likely there will be no NBA season this year.

Do you care? I mean really care?

Well, I’m sure there are

some people who care.Companies who employ dudes like LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Carmello Anthony are probably fretting a bit.Not having those stars to hock their wares while dominating ESPN news cycles is sure to cut into their exposure and bottom lines.A long work stoppage will make them sweat more than Chauncey Billups.But the average, everyday Joe sports fan — particularly in the NBA wasteland known as Western Pennsylvania — most likely will go on with their lives as if nothing happened.They won’t miss the boring isolation plays that make up a bulk of the NBA offenses.They won’t give a second thought to the 82 virtually meaningless regular season games, some featuring disinterested players going up against even more disinterested players.So, what is a hoop fan to do?A lot, actually.How about watching

real basketball.From December to March, there is some pretty darn good basketball being played right down the street in high school gyms across the county.Take in one of those contests.Maybe without the NBA and the constant highlights of dunks, behind-the-back passes and, well, fundamentally awful play, high school basketball players can get back to the basics of the game.Perhaps, prep basketball will improve even more.The game will be crisper. Cleaner. Better.If high school basketball doesn’t float your boat, try the college game.Butler County Community College has pretty darn competitive men’s and women’s programs.Head up to Morrow Field House and watch The Rock men and women in a doubleheader.Grove City College also has competitive teams. The Wolverine men should feature a slew of Butler County talent on the hardwood this winter.And there’s always Pitt.There are options out there.Maybe if the NBA owners and players notice that well, no one is noticing their pathetic work stoppage, the game will change for the better at the highest level.As it is now, perhaps no NBA season is the best for all involved, including at the amateur level.And LeBron James can take his talents to the NFL.That would be something to see.Mike Kilroy is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.