The basketball expression “from way downtown” has just taken on a whole new meaning after the PBA’s decision to introduce a four-point line.
Starting the PBA’s 49th season, media personalities and fans will now have to be more specific whenever they use the phrase “from beyond the arc.”
In a stunning move done during their annual planning session in Osaka, the PBA Board of Governors has approved the implementation of a four-point shot starting next season, which opens on August 18. The decision was reportedly part of a broader strategy to bring back the live audience to PBA games.
The new offensive weapon will have a line in the form of a 27-foot arc. It was actually first introduced in the 2023 All-Star Game. The three-point line will still be at 23 feet.
The GAME asked several PBA head coaches for their reactions to the new rule. Six of them replied, and their replies were as varied as their coaching styles. Several also voiced their appreciation for the league’s efforts to shake things up.
Tim Cone, the head coach of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and as pure of a basketball purist as you’ll ever get, was straight to the point.
“Not a fan,” he told The GAME in a message. “I think it’s great for All-Star Games when it’s all fun and games, but not for serious basketball.”
Cone’s former assistant and predecessor with Gilas Pilipinas, TNT Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes, wasn’t sure yet how this innovation will play out. He was, though, appreciative of the PBA’s efforts to spice things up.
“I don’t know if it will work, but at least the league is now trying new things,” Reyes said in a message to The GAME.
Another head coach, Jamike Jarin of the Phoenix Fuel Masters, feels the move might run counter to the league’s direction of aligning more with FIBA rules.
“Before the start of the season last year, I was part of the coaches that didn’t want the players calling timeout anymore (during a live possession),” he told The GAME in a phone conversation. “I was part of that. Because we are preparing for the FIBA games, the World Cup, the Olympics.
“Because in FIBA, there’s no such thing. It’s the ultimate, make it to the Olympics, make it to the World Cup, which is everybody’s dream. Let’s see what happens. But I appreciate that the PBA is trying to make it more interesting for the viewing public.”
However, Meralco Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo points out that the longer distance might even help Gilas in international tournaments.
“I think the board is leaving no stone unturned to see how they can make the games more exciting,” he told The GAME in a message. “This is good for the league. And it may even improve our range for making threes in international competition for our national team.
“Let’s see. They can discuss and see after a couple of conferences. I appreciate that they are thinking of things out of the box to improve our league.”
Added NLEX Road Warriors head coach Jong Uichico: “It is something that the fans can look forward to.”
Finally, Terrafirma Dyip head coach John Cardel told The GAME he liked the new rule.
“Okay lang, magandang addition para sa league natin,” he said in a phone conversation. “Kahit behind ka ng three points may chance kang manalo na. At least may kakaiba paghahandaan ang mga shooters. Madaming players na malayong tumira like Paul Lee, Robert Bolick, Juami (Tiongson). Maganda ito para sa PBA.”
How do YOU feel about the new PBA four-point shot?
Banner Images from PBA Media Bureau.
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