Exec: New rules to make PBA games more exciting

Shooters have to go out farther to make a three-point attempt and frontliners can now muscle their way inside the shaded lane more without getting automatically called for a foul. Such scenarios will likely play out in the Philippine Basketball Association’s 35th season after the league approved new rules to make the games “more exciting." According to PBA chairman Lito Alvarez of Burger King, the rule changes, made in consultation with some of the league’s coaches, will be implemented beginning with the PBA’s pre-season games. “I asked the thoughts of some of our coaches like Yeng Guiao,Tim Cone and Jong Uichico regarding the possible rule changes and they gave me their suggestions," Alvarez said. These new rules will have a combination of FIBA rules and professional rules, Alvarez explained. “We compared some of the rules of the NBA and FIBA and we decided to adopt certain things that would make our games more interesting. We don’t want long lulls in our games," said Alvarez. Topping these changes is the return of the three-point shot line to 22 feet from its previous distance of 20.6 feet. The reason for this, stressed Alvarez, is to develop the shooting skills of the players.

The PBA will also brace for more physical games, similar to the old “no harm, no foul" rule. The “landing-spot" rule has also been given a better and clearer definition while the trapezoid form in the shaded lane will be brought back to the old rectangular shape. Slam dunkers can likewise do their thing more as the league will allow them to hang on to the rim longer without getting called for a technical foul. A ball which hits the backboard once a shot is made will still be considered a live ball from now on, unlike before when it merits an automatic violation on the part of the offensive team. Players who use the “jab-step" before penetrating or taking a shot will be given more leeway to use this skill to defy their defenders. Purefoods stars Kerby Raymundo and James Yap and Burger King ace Gary David often makes use of the "jab-step" as part of their offensive arsenal. “Dati ang jab-step, traveling (violation) agad," said Alvarez, noting that a “jab-step is being used for the development of skills of a certain player." - GMANews.TV