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An Early Take on the New NCAA Three-Point Line
By Coach Randy Brown

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

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim was asked recently about his thoughts on the rule change. He said the proposed deeper line is a "good thing--I would rather have seen both the line and the lane widened." For now only the length of the three ball will change.

Other coaches have weighed in also, including Northern Arizona coach Mike Adras and Texas head man Rick Barnes. Coach Adras, whose teams have led the country in three-point percentage four times in the past 10 years, does not anticipate a change in strategy with the new distance. "We recruit shooters, and I don't see moving it back affecting us that much," he said. He also said it may deter some shooters from launching the three ball because of the possibility of lower percentages. Texas coach Rick Barnes checking by saying, "A foot makes a difference to some guys. Some guys, it doesn't....Maybe now, people will work harder at getting to the mid-range area."

Some have stated that the game may become less physical with more distance between the post and perimeter areas. An extended line will push defenders farther out on the floor to eliminate open threes by the opponent. Time will tell whether a change in shooting percentages or less physical play will come from this new rule.

We know one thing for sure. Just the anticipation of a deeper three-point shot will keep hoop fans busy around the water cooler. Without a doubt this rule will add even more excitement to the ever popular campus sport.