Committee recommends changes to 3-point line, lane width

INDIANAPOLIS -- The 3-point line in men's college basketball would be moved back 9 inches to 20 feet, 6 inches under a recommendation from an NCAA rules committee Monday.

The current distance of 19-9 has been in place since 1986.

The panel also suggested expanding the 12-foot-wide college lane by adopting the trapezoid used in international play. At its widest point, the trapezoid lane's width is 19-8¾.

The changes could take effect as early as next season, if approved by the NCAA championship committee next month.

"The face of college basketball is going to change," said South Carolina coach Dave Odom, a rules committee member.

Last season was the first time the NCAA required some games to be played with the 3-pointer at the international distance, so the committee could opt for another year of experimentation.

"The 9 inches might discourage marginal shooters from taking longer shots," said Odom, who favored the change. "It might equate to the percentage going up instead of down. That would make the shot more meaningful."

The NCAA women's basketball rules committee recommended that the international 3-point line be used in the women's game, too, and that the trapezoid lane be tried experimentally in selected games during the season.

The lane hasn't been adjusted since the 1950s, when it was widened from 6 feet to 12.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2003, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved