INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The NCAA on Friday approved moving the men's
3-point line back 1 foot in 2008 _ from 19 feet, 9 inches to 20
feet, 9 inches.
The decision by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel marks the
first major alteration to the 3-point shot since its adoption in
1986-87.
The men's basketball rules committee recommended the measure May
3.
``In recent years, the rules committee has conducted a great
deal of research and held many discussions regarding the court
markings," said Rob Halvaks, chairman of the panel and senior
associate commissioner of the Big West Conference. ``The panel
supports this action and hopes it has the committee's intended
effect on the game."
The move comes after more than a decade of debate about whether
to extend the line. The extended line has been used on an
experimental basis in some early season tournaments and has shown
no dramatic change in shooting percentages, but it never previously
had passed the rules committee for all regular-season and
postseason games.
The 3-point line will remain unchanged in women's basketball.
The new men's rule is for all three college divisions.
The panel sent back to the men's committee for study a proposal
to allow a manufacturer's logo on either the game jersey or the
game pants. The current rule, which allows a single manufacturer's
logo on the game pants, will be maintained for the 2007-08 season.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
