NCAA to vote in June on extending 3-point line

The rule change would be effective for Division I in the 2019-20 season and for Divisions II and III in 2020-21 if approved by the

Playing Rules Oversight Panel on June 5.

The reasons for the proposed change by the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee, according a NCAA press release, are:

• “Making the lane more available for dribble/drive plays from the perimeter.”

• Slowing the trend of the 3-point shot becoming too prevalent in men’s college basketball by making the shot a bit more challenging, while at the same time keeping the shot an integral part of the game.

• “Assisting in offensive spacing by requiring the defense to cover more of the court.”

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The distance has been 20-9 since 2008-09 when it was moved back from 19-9.

Teams shot 35.2 percent from 3-point range in the final season of the 19-9 distance and 34.4 percent in the first season at the longer distance. In the years since, the percentage has risen. Teams shot 35.2 percent in 2017-18 and 34.4 percent last season.