it is pretty much the same as playing on a game console.
you won’t need a controller, but it is better if you have one.

simple answer to your first question is yes, second question is no.

now the not so simple answer:

question 1. yes it will be as fun since it is the same gameplay. there will be a difference though if you do not use some type of gamepad (controller) as you would be prob using you keyboard.

question 2. no you do not need a controller to play the game but if you want it to exactly resemble the 360 or ps3 i would recommend to get a controller, like a wired 360 controller and use that, as because playing with a keyboard may seem strange and out of place.

i dont play basketball game’s but with the better graphics it would be more fun, also you dont have to buy a controller you can play it on the keybourd but if you play alot on the xbox or ps3 i would sugest a controller, it would be easy