[AlphaDogPhoto]

I'll respond because no one has commented on your photos yet.

My knowledge of men's basketball is limited, but I'm told that it is a bit easier than the ladies.

For examples of what you would want your shots to look like, check any of the NBA team's web sites. Some good, some bad, but mostly good.

Most pro's shoot from the floor under the basket, that means they are at a lower angle than where you got your shots from (this means darker, less distracting backgrounds). Shooting from a lower angle could solve your distracting background issues.

I know, I know you are going to say something about not being able to shoot from the floor and how should you crop your images to make them have the most impact, am I right.

Best thing to do is select the best, simplest shots and photoshop a little more blur into the background (not a good thing to do if you plan to be a editorial sports photographer), but I think it would be OK for personal use.

Most pros capture between 200 and 300 images in a game all the while knowing that they only need 10 or so "great" shots for the night.

Keep shooting, you'll get there. Spend some time looking at examples of the kinds of shots you want to get and soon you will be getting them.