On Friday, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee proposed moving the 3-point line to the international basketball distance of 22 feet, 1 3/4 inches.
The new rule would go into effect for the 2019-20 season if the recommendation is approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel on June 5.
Committee members proposed the rules change after feedback from the annual rules survey from coaches whose teams played in the 2018-19 National Invitational Tournament. The international 3-point distance was used as an experiment.
The committee cited the following rationale for extending the line:
- Making the lane more available for dribble/drive plays from the perimeter.
- Slowing the trend of the 3-point shot becoming too prevalent in men’s college basketball by making the shot a bit more challenging, while at the same time keeping the shot an integral part of the game.
- Assisting in offensive spacing by requiring the defense to cover more of the court.
“After gathering information over the last two seasons, we feel it’s time to make the change,” said Tad Boyle, committee chair and coach at Colorado. “Freedom of movement in the game remains important, and we feel this will open up the game. We believe this will remove some of the congestion on the way to the basket.”
The 3-point line was moved before the 2008-09 season to 20 feet, nine inches.
You can read more about proposed rules here.
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
