Alabama Basketball: Watford wait over and maybe some new rules
By Ronald Evans
The NCAA has proposed rules changes with a potentially big impact on the 2020-21, college basketball season if the rules are approved in June.
Alabama basketball and the rest of the NCAA may be playing under some new rules as soon as the ’20-21 season. For those wondering, those potential rules changes have nothing to do with the flood of ‘pay-for-play’ allegations uncovered in the FBI investigation into college basketball.
Apparently, the NCAA has more pressing issues, including a making a 3-point field goal attempt more difficult. A deeper three-point line is one of the current proposals for change. Making treys somewhat more difficult is a solid idea.
The proposed change would take the current line at 20 feet and nine inches and move it to 22 feet and 1.75 inches. The game has become so dependent on the long ball, the mid-range game is dying. So much of basketball today is either long bombs or dunks. Forcing the defenses to step away from the basket another step or two will open the floor more. It should result in more dribble-drive opportunities.
Other proposed changes are a shorter shot clock reset after an offensive rebound and expanded use of instant replay in the last two minutes of each half and the last two minutes of any overtime.
The NCAA is also considering a Flagrant 2 ejection for any player using
"derogatory language aimed at an opponent regarding race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability."
An NCAA rules committee will vote in June and could decide to implement some of the changes in the 2019-20 season.
What now with no Watford?
In consideration for the most ‘unsurprising and who cares’ signing decision ever, Trendon Watford chose ‘strong-a**ed offer’ Will Wade over Nate Oats and Alabama basketball. Best of luck to the young man and his family who decided to cozy up to a coach even seedier than Bruce Pearl. But hey, we all make mistakes.
Nate Oats can now choose another player – something many Alabama basketball fans had been hoping he would do before Watford’s announcement.
Who will it be? Many Tide fans are thinking it will be JUCO All-American James Rojas. Rojas wants to play for Oats. There is a rumor he must finish another class (not online) before he can qualify. Also, Jahvon Quinerly plans to visit and he is an exciting player that fits well with the Oats’ system of play.
Next. Tide hoops assistant has a powerful message. dark
Trendon will likely encounter rowdy disdain when he visits Coleman next season. He was entitled to attend the school of his choosing but the way he did will not sit well with some Tide fans. Stringing the process out while waiting to see if Will Wade would be fired was a classless move unless he informed Nate Oats well in advance of Monday.