What's new in basketball?
Published: Sat, Nov. 08, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Sat, Nov. 08, 2008 02:01AM
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closeYes, it's the heat of college football season. But basketball is on the radar, with Duke set to tip off in the first area ACC game on Monday. Fans will notice a few new things this season:
DOWNTOWN: Players will shoot from a 3-point line that is 1 foot farther from the basket. The old line was 19 feet, 9 inches. The new line is 20 feet, 9 inches. Look for fewer players chucking the longer shot late in games on tired legs. Look for fewer players with the coveted green light, as well.
HANDS OFF: Officials can now call goaltending anytime after the ball hits the backboard. This is supposed to eliminate officials having to judge whether the ball is on on the way up or down after it hits the backboard.
TODAY
WHO: UNC vs. UNC-Pembroke (exhibition game)
WHEN: 5:30 p.m., doors open at 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Smith Center, Chapel Hill
OF NOTE: With defending National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough sidelined with a stress reaction in his right shin, it will be interesting to see how his fellow big men have adapted. His absence gives junior Deon Thompson a chance to showcase his moves on the block -- and it should give freshmen Tyler Zeller and Ed Davis more minutes to show what they can contribute.
More Home
POY COMES BACK ... REALLY? It's rare to see the national player of the year return for another season. North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough is the first since LSU's Shaquille O'Neal did it in 1991-92. Perhaps you've already heard about this.
MOTOWN REVVING UP: The Final Four will be played in Detroit for the first time, on April 4 at Ford Field. The national title game is April 6.
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