Beyond the Arc

So the college hoops season opened last night, not a moment too soon, and few could make a shot beyond the new three-point line at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke (3 of 11) and Presbyterian (3 of 17) both struggled behind a line that is now 20 feet, 9 inches from the basket, a foot farther than it has been for the past 22 years. I wrote about this change in Sunday's newspaper, and was wondering if everyone thinks the change will have a profound impact on the game this season. I think the Butlers will still be Butlers, but the Roy Hibberts of the world won't be winning too many more games with three-pointers. But don't expect the extra distance to affect top shooters like Stephen Curry, Robert Vanden or Tyrese Rice.

By Eric Prisbell | November 11, 2008; 10:02 AM ET
Categories: Men's basketball
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Comments

Vaden.

-Maryland grad at UAB

Posted by: Colm1 | November 11, 2008 10:49 AM | Report abuse

Maybe it will keep some big men that believe deep down inside that they are guards in a big's body at home.

Posted by: PacoInAjijic | November 11, 2008 11:09 AM | Report abuse

In Maui a couple of years ago they used the 20 foot 9 inch line. The collected teams shot 36% from the line for those games. Maybe a tad lower but not something that would tilt the balance away from 3-point shooting teams.

Posted by: Turtlewaxing | November 11, 2008 11:11 AM | Report abuse

Thank God James Gist isn't around to try and shoot from this distance.

Posted by: pipkin42 | November 11, 2008 11:27 AM | Report abuse

I think this might hurt Duke a bit. Nobody loves to jack up threes like the Blue Devils. Coach Ks teams do three things more than anyone else in the ACC, jack up threes, flop, and shoot free throws...

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Beyond the Arc