Rules committee has spoken

[MU/Panther]

I'm surprised I hear so many people who like that. It feels like moving from the 20 yard line to field goal range just by using a timeout.

[TheSultan]

I'm surprised I hear so many people who like that. It feels like moving from the 20 yard line to field goal range just by using a timeout.

It's difficult to use a football analogy for basketball because the objectives are different, but I like it simply because it can add end of game dramatics. Contrived sure, but not too much so IMO.

[MU/Panther]

I'm fine with it either way, but it doesn't seemed earned. Hinse the football fealing.

[Phantom Warrior]

Apparently the five-second, closely-guarded rule has been eliminated.

I liked that rule. It prevented one player from dribbling, dribbling, dribbling, dribbling, dribbling with the aim of eventually making a move to the hoop. In short, it sometimes forced ball movement as opposed to one player dominating the ball.

The other thing it did was reward good defense.

I'm not quite sure I understand the motivation behind eliminating this rule as I don't see how its elimination will increase scoring. In fact, I think the rule's primary impact was to make the game more interesting to watch. I would rather watch a team pass the ball than have one player dribble ad infinitum.

It's interesting that this rule change has drawn little commentary. I'm curious how others feel about the change. For me, hell I would have been in favor of making it a four-second, closely guarded rule instead of five. Speed the game's flow up a little.

[TheSultan]

I don't care much either way, because how often is a five second closely guarded rule even called? My guess is way less than once per game.

[MUMac]

I don't care much either way, because how often is a five second closely guarded rule even called? My guess is way less than once per game.

That is only looking at it one way. Without the rule, ball movement could suffer - more one on one type plays, rather than move the ball. Without the rule, there is no consequence. Everyone knew of the 5 second closely guarded rule and avoided it, which is why it is rarely called.

Heck, if you take your point, do away with the 5 second inbound, 10 second to cross half court and 3 second rules as well. They are seldom called either.

[TheSultan]

That is only looking at it one way. Without the rule, ball movement could suffer - more one on one type plays, rather than move the ball. Without the rule, there is no consequence. Everyone knew of the 5 second closely guarded rule and avoided it, which is why it is rarely called.

That's a really good point. I guess we will have to see how it pans out.

[Mucrisco]

When they changed the five second rule a few years ago, I always thought it was kind of a joke. It used to be easier to get a five second call. Now, a point guard could stand there with the ball and dribble and waste time. All he needed was a little separation. With the way that guys could handle the ball, it's pretty easy for a guard to start and stop to get separation. In my opinion, eliminating the 5 second rule as it stands now will not affect the game at all. It will probably allow the refs to concentrate on other things.

[Markedman]

Might be lots of free throws this year.....

@KevinMcNamara33: The can't-touch-anyone-anymore college basketball rules are going to drive fans - and Ed @CoachCooleyPC - crazy this year.

@JonRothstein: No question. Games could last 2.5 hours. https://t.co/sm1BgKH2Kb

[warriorfan4life]

Might be lots of free throws this year.....

@KevinMcNamara33: The can't-touch-anyone-anymore college basketball rules are going to drive fans - and Ed @CoachCooleyPC - crazy this year.

@JonRothstein: No question. Games could last 2.5 hours. https://t.co/sm1BgKH2Kb

As long as it leads to a much more watchable game down the road, you got to take the short-term pain of adjusting to the new rules. I just hope that officials stay the course and do not kowtow to the complaining coaches and hot take central from the media.