From goheels.com
Men’s college basketball courts will have a new look in the upcoming seasons! The NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee and the Playing Rules Oversight Panel has decided to increase the length of the 3-point line for NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball during the upcoming season (2019-20). This rule will go into effect for NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball during the 2020-21 season.
Dimensions: The 3-point line will be extended roughly 1′ 5.” The new distance for the 2019-20 season will be 22′ 1 ¾” at the top of the key and 21′ 7 7/8″ in the corners. Now, NCAA Men’s Division I, FIBA, and the WNBA will use the same dimensions for their 3-point lines.
Why is the 3-point line being extended? The game of basketball has shifted its focus to behind-the-arc play now more than ever. With this, players are becoming reliant on the 3-point shot, and, in a way, some aspects of the game have been taken away. Players are constantly looking for ways to advance their game due to the competitive recruiting environment, resulting in an increase in 3-point attempts and percentage throughout college basketball.
The extension of the 3-point line will not only make the shot more challenging for players, but it will also open up driving lanes due to increased spacing. The extension will present an added dimension that could slightly alter the way the game is played.
What about NCAA Women’s Basketball? The women’s 3-point line will remain the same for all levels during the 2019-20 season, and there are no current plans to expand it.
To learn about the changes in NCAA Women’s Basketball:
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