NCAA women’s basketball has benefited in recent years from marquee names like Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins, and it seems that some women’s college hoops coaches think the sport could benefit even more from a few other changes.
Despite the fact that Griner made a name for herself during her time at Baylor for being one of few females who could dunk a basketball, a recent NCAA-sanctioned report showed that there has been a recent decline in spectator interest in the sport. The report recommended a number of in-game modifications that coaches hope would increase viewership, according to the Washington Post.
Among the suggestions was to add a 24-second shot clock, to quicken the pace of play and generate more scoring. A few of the even more radical ideas were to lower the rim, add a new scoring system to award teams points for winning a quarter or half and restrictions banning defense outside the three-point line at selected times.
Maryland head coach Brenda Frese said she supported the proposal to shorten the season, condensing it into the spring semester.
“We play too many games,” Frese said. “I think what we ask Division I athletes in men’s and women’s basketball to do is tough when you’re talking about juggling academics and travel. I think the length of our season is entirely too long.”
The findings of the report will be taken under consideration by various NCAA committees.
Photo via Instagram/@skydigg4
