NCAA Introduces Experimental Rule Changes for NIT Play

[SoxJox]

I don't expect this to get much of a rise since, well...it's the NIT.

But the NCAA has implemented some experimental rule changes for the tournament:

1. The three-point line will be extended by approximately 1 foot 8 inches to the same distance used by FIBA for international competition (22 feet 1.75 inches).
2. The free throw lane will be widened from 12 feet to 16 feet, consistent with the width used by the NBA.
3. The games will be divided into four 10-minute quarters as opposed to two 20-minute halves. Teams will shoot two free throws beginning with the fifth foul of each quarter.
4. The shot clock will reset to 20 seconds after an offensive rebound instead of the full 30 seconds.

I watched the Penn State - Temple game last night, and it appeared to me that neither #2 or #3 had any discernible effect. And being a team that has relied heavily of shots from downtown all season, #1 seemed to affect Penn State initially, but in the end they seemed to adjust (to negate an 11-point deficit and eventually win 63-67 - largely by way of 3-pointers). But #4 was crazy. It seems that the clock operator's panel has a reset button that was previously programmed to the 30-second reset. So they had to stop and adjust the clock several [frustrating and annoying] times to work the bugs out. It made it nearly impossible for either team to get into any flow during the first half (score was only 29-24 at the half).

 

[Infield Infidel]

They should have done #1 when they extended it in the first place, thank goodness they finally did it. 2 and 3 also seem fine, for 2, the main change I think is big men getting out of the paint on offense to avoid three second calls. 4 is unnecessary, and messes with the flow of possessions. I get it for the reset if the ball went out of bounds, but an offensive board is an active part of the flow of a possession.

 

[HoyaSoxa]

As a former shot clock operator (including for an NCAA Regional), I will say that no. 4 would take a lot of getting used to and likely require the implementation of new technology. While there was some pressure associated with timing/judging whether a shot hit touched the rim, there was only one button/switch to deal with, and you just toggled that switch every time the ball hit the rim or went through it. Adding in an extra factor is certainly not impossible, but given that the shot clock operator is typically someone loosely connected to the home team athletic department getting $20/game, the potential for error is high.

 

[Infield Infidel]

Realized earlier that 4 10-minute quarters means no more 1-and-1. I'd kinda miss it.