NCAA Approves Extending Three-Point Line
4/29/2008 11:24:21 AM | Men's Basketball
The three-point line in intercollegiate men's basketball will be extended to 20 feet, 9 inches, effective with the 2008-09 basketball season. The new distance will be employed in Division I, II and III.
A three-point line in men's basketball was originally added for the 1986-87 season. It's original distance of 19 feet, 9 inches, had not changed until this recent ruling. The distance for a three-point basket in the women's game will remain at 19 feet, 9 inches.
The rule change will have an impact on Syracuse's fortunes, especially with the expected return to the lineup of long-distance sharpshooters Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins, each of whom suffered knee injuries in the past year. Rautins missed the entire campaign while Devendorf was injured 10 games into the campaign.
In two-plus campaigns, Devendorf has accumulated 126 three-point baskets. Rautins has logged two seasons at SU and has tallied 82 three-pointers.
