I say move the line out. I hate how the current three point line kills fluidity and inventiveness in the half court game. It's like a big picket fence running through the action. It's just way too big of a determining force in how teams execute their sets. I'm a fan of good old fashioned medium range 2 pointers. From anywhere on the floor. Without stopping to worry about where your feet are in relation to a damn line. I would like to see fluid, unburdened basketball. Plus, if they move the line out a bit, the Syracuse 2-3 zone suddenly doesn't look nearly as suffocating and unsolvable. Right now, all that orange color and vigorous arm waving packed inside the existing three point line is a daunting obstacle to behold.
I think moving the 3-point line back is a good idea, only it should be moved back to at least 22 feet. With the line where it is now, there are two problems: First, for good shooters, making a 3 is like taking candy from a baby. It's just too easy and good defense often goes unrewarded. Every year, there are a number of players (usually 3-point "specialists" who do very little except trot around the arc waiting for the ball to come their way) who shoot better (sometimes much better) from 3 than from 2. That's a sign that the 3-point line is too close. Second, the short distance tempts lesser shooters into taking (and missing) too many 3s. It's ridiculous that so many guards have overall shooting percentages under 40 percent because they jack up so many 3s and make less than 30 percent of them. If the line were out further, those players would have to think more about sharing the ball. In the end, a made 3 should be a reward for good offensive execution that sets up an open shot, but the team should have to work for it. I remember the title game a few years back when Illinois put up 40 threes against UNC and made only 12. Live by the 3, die by the 3. Of all the phases of the game, long-range shooting is the one most prone to inconsistency, so why do coaches make it such a huge part of their strategy? I've seen many teams shoot themselves right out of a game. As a Maryland fan, I've always liked Gary Williams' philosophy of not relying excessively on outside shooting.
Agree with all. It is about time the 3 point line was moved back. I have been telling my friend about this issue for a long time. Anyone can shoot, if you are a shooter, from top of the key. Shooting from 19'9"only allows you to shoot from a high school 3. I feel as a player moves into an upper level of playability, it should make a little more difficult. I am 40 and i can still shoot from top of the key and beyond. I love the idea.
Hopefully this'll help bring the jumper back to the game of basketball. Every kid that can jump and dunk thinks that they can make it into the NBA because of just that. The game needs more players like a Reggie Miller or Rip Hamilton that can make a 16-17 footer look like a free throw. Don't get me wrong, I love the dunk but it just seems as if every player that can throw it down feels as if they deserve some award because of it. Michael Jordan is one of the greatest dunkers of all time (IMO) but if you can remember his 'official' final shot against the Jazz while playing for the Bulls in the '98 NBA Finals with Byron Russell draped all over him, it was in fact a smooth and perfect jumper. Maybe this will help kids develop into more all-around players instead of being one dimensional.
For those that play in the post like me (I'm 6'8"), I love the idea of moving the 3-point line back! I can get so frustrated and mad at guards that hurl up a 3-pointer whenever they can, while I'm wide open underneath for an easy lay-up...and that's after I ran the full length of the court and battled a couple of opponent's big men to get that position. Nothing makes me madder or gets me more frustrated than when I run over 90 feet during each possession and battle for position, just to have a guard gun it each time after running only 40-50 feet and not having any actual physical contact with the opponent. That's all for now...thanks for letting me have my "big man vent".
Moving the three point line back is only a small step for college basketball. The next step, or leap if you may, would be to completely wipe out the alternating possession arrow. That is totally ridiculous and often rewards the wrong team for defensive pressure. Make 'em jump for it.
An overheard idea to have an international line, that is the same for every court, no matter which level, might work. It would set a standard, less adjustment during olympic play also!
