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The free throw situation is a farce. The old rules were a lot better. We now have just as many fouls in the final minutes, more free throws, and less of a chance for the free throws to make a difference. The 10 second rule behind the half-court line was a good rule. The 1 and 1 allowed for some exciting finishes. To rectify what the sissies did to college basketball, do these two things: 1. Bring back jump balls. All jump-balls should be at center court. The circle around the jumpers should be expanded another 10 feet in diameter. 2. In the final 5 minutes of the half a player fouled in the front court should get one free throw. If they make it they also get to inbound the ball. (It may be more interesting if the shooter has to be the one to inbound the ball.) If they miss, the ball is in play. If they are fouled in the backcourt they get two free throws. If they make the second shot, they inbound. If they miss it, the ball is in play. To really improve the game, make the courts wider, at least 10 feet. And give them more playing room around the basket by moving the hoops, free-throw line and 3 point arcs two feet toward midcourt. To make overtimes more interesting, all players, including fouled out players, should be given one more foul. Thereafter, if they foul out, they are gone permanently. One of the reasons for doing this is to help eliminate a poor judgment call from deciding an important game. As it is, a referee can fix a game just by making a couple of questionable calls. I'll bet that it happens more than we realize. Even a good referee can be influenced by emotions and biases. |