Tom Newell, son of famous coach Pete Newell, thinks that something needs to change in the world of basketball. Namely, Newell thinks that basketball players today rely far too much on both three pointers and dunks. So how does Newell think this problem can be fixed? Well, raise the rim to 11 feet:
Newell hopes his game can be a springboard to better basketball. He believes that far too many players rely on natural ability and that a move to higher rims would force players to adjust by practicing more on basics.
"No one practices anymore," Newell said. "They play way too many games and don't get a chance to work on fundamentals. This would force them to get back in the gym and practice."
So would raising the rim really lead to better basketball? Well, Newell remembers an occassion when his father oversaw an exhibition on 12 foot rims, and how it affected the style of play:
"I remember that the centers led the teams in assists," Newell said. "That the players really moved without the ball and sought the best shot. It really opened up the spacing of the game. The quality of play was stunning."
Will we ever see 11 foot rims in actual games? No, but perhaps if they really do encourage players to pass and move off the ball, maybe the U.S. Olympic squad should give them a shot in practice before they continue their recent streak of terrible international finishes.
