BASKETBALL RULES Farther line, wider lane among NCAA proposals

The 3-second rule would still be in effect.
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS
The NCAA men's basketball rules committee has proposed moving the 3-point line back just over 9 inches and altering the size of the free throw lane, the NCAA announced Monday.
If the NCAA championship committee approves the changes during its June meeting, they would take effect for the 2003-04 season.
The 3-point line would be moved back to 20 feet, 6 1/4 inches. The current distance of 19 feet, 9 inches has not been changed since its implementation in 1986.
Hurting, helping game
Coaches have long complained that the 3-point shot has done more to hurt the game's growth than help it. Teams shot over 36 percent from 3-point range from 1986-91, but the percentages have steadily declined since.
The free throw lane, which is currently 12 feet wide, would be expanded to the trapezoidal shape used in international play, according to the proposal.
The lane would be 19 feet 8 3/4 inches wide on the baseline, its widest point, tapering to 12 feet wide at the free throw line.
It's hoped the wider lane will reduce the amount of physical play. North Carolina coach Roy Williams was one of the first proponents of the trapezoidal lane's implementation when he served as the rules committee chairman in 2000.
The wider lane would force forwards and centers to step farther away from the basket for offensive positioning. The 3-second rule would still be in effect.
"With more space created around the basket by both changes, there should be more opportunity for cutting through the lane and to the basket," said Art Hyland, current committee chairman and the officiating coordinator of the Big East.