the game starts 0-0 both teams have a chance from the beginning.......its really a mute subject in that, the school systems cant afford the addition. also it can be argued both ways , but the truth is that having shot clocks would more prepare the kids for the tempo of the next level of play and thats really where the debate should begin. because, like shot clock ,dont like it, really doesnt matter, if the kids get the opportunity to play at the next level they'll be playing with shot clocks. If they dont get to play at the next level, unless they have played AAU, it will be one aspect of the game that they have missed. For us older folks its sort of like when it was said that girls will never be able to play full court basketball (5-on-5 rather than 3-on-3 half court) I cant remember all the reasons ,I was just a kid(didnt mean to stray from the subject). Also the box score minded parents should like them better because of the possibility of more shots to be taken