A preliminary version of the new NCAA three-point line

The NCAA recently announced that the college basketball rules committee voted to move the three-point line back one foot to 20 feet, 9 inches. This change would take place from the 2008-2009 season. This is a major rule change due to the huge impact triple has had on the game since its inception. How much the longer line of three will affect the game is a hot topic of discussion and the subject of this article.

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim was recently asked about his opinion on the rule change. He said the proposed deeper line is “a good thing, I would have preferred to see both the line and lane widened.” For now, only the length of the three balls will change.

Other coaches have weighed in as well, including Northern Arizona coach Mike Adras and Texas frontman Rick Barnes. Coach Adras, whose teams have led the country in three-point percentage four times in the past 10 years, does not foresee a change in strategy with the new distance. “We recruit shooters, and I don’t see moving it back affect us that much,” he said. He also said that he may determine that some shooters won’t shoot the triple ball because of the possibility of lower percentages. Texas coach Rick Barnes checked by saying, “One foot makes a difference for some guys. Some guys, it doesn’t… Maybe now, people will work harder to get into the midrange area.”

Some have stated that the game can become less physical with more distance between the post and the perimeter areas. An extended line will push defenders further down the court to eliminate the opponent’s open three. Time will tell if with this new rule there will be a change in shooting percentages or less physical play.

We know one thing for sure. Just the anticipation of a deeper three-point shot will keep hoop fans around the water cooler busy. This rule will undoubtedly add even more excitement to the ever-popular college sport.