Some are expressing trepidation over the changes, such as a shorter shot clock, but the cumulative effect should help grow the profile of the sport.
Since this is the internet, and the internet is forever, I hope I don't eventually regret what I'm about to say.
Here we go!
Man, never thought I'd type those words. But that's exactly where I find myself after the men's basketball rules committee pushed through a series of changes last week that will reshape the sport starting in 2015. Among the major changes, which have been generally lauded (although not universally embraced - more on that momentarily):
- Strict enforcement of perimeter defending rules implemented two years ago, as well as a reduction of physical post play, moving screens and obstruction of movement away from the ball;
- An increased restricted arc underneath the basket in which secondary defenders are barred from drawing charges (from three feet to four, same as the NBA);
- A 30-second shot clock (down from 35 seconds);
- Four time outs per team (down from five);
- Elimination of the "Howland" -- timeouts called within 30 seconds of a TV timeout will now become the TV timeout;
- Elimination of coach-called timeouts while the ball is live.