Considered as one of the most polarizing decisions the PBA has ever made but who knows, the innovation might be a ground-breaking one should the world basketball scene embrace it.
Like in life, adaptability is a necessary tool to keep riding the waves of the ever-changing world and sports– particularly basketball– is no exception.
In the case of the PBA, the first bold step lies in a 27-foot white line.
“Matagal nang iniisip ng ibang liga ‘to (four-point line), maski ang NBA iniisip na nila ‘to. In fact, even FIBA is thinking about it,” league chairman Ricky Vargas spoke in a preseason press conference held at the EDSA Shangri La on August 14, Wednesday.
The Asia’s first play-for-pay basketball league announced last month the adoption of the four-point line beginning in the season-opening Governor’s Cup and initially drew mixed reactions from the fans. The four-point line was first tested by the league in the 2024 PBA All-Star Weekend in Bacolod when NLEX Road Warriors’ superstar guard Robert Bolick completed a five-point play from the longer distance to erase a 135-140 deficit and force overtime.
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“Nauna tayo kasi we are PBA, we are entertainment basketball so we will do that,” he added.
But the NBA actually utilized the concept way back in the 2019 but only in the Celebrity All-Star Game and not in actual competitive play.
The WNBA also tried that out in 2022 where they placed two circles on each side of the court, 28 feet from the basket, that is considered a four-point shot.
Lastly, the Big3 League has the same concept with its four-point shot areas but the game is played on halfcourt on a three-on-three basis.
With its adoption to an actual game, it was indeed a bold decision for the PBA and Vargas foresaw there will come a time where other league’s will soon follow suit once the implementation of the fourth-point line yields positive results.
“When we are successful, there are many [leagues] who will follow suit. Today, we are alone. Tomorrow, we will be plenty.”
The TNT Tropang Giga team governor also insisted that the PBA are assuring that they are coping up with the modern times behind this particular change, with the "interest of the fans" always ending up as their top priority.
“If you do not innovate, you die.” he emphasized.
Besides the four-point line, the league also introduced three new rules that will be implemented such as the removal of backboard violation, restriction on official suspension of play and giving more leeway for coaches if they cross the hash mark.
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