UConn coach Geno Auriemma said he might want to see the 3-point arc in women’s college basketball moved back to match with where it is for the men.
The 3-point distance for the women is 20 feet, 9 inches, which is the place where the men’s line was before it was moved for the 2019-20 season. The men’s distance is presently 22 feet, 1.75 inches, equivalent to the WNBA and FIBA. The NBA distance is 23 feet, 9 inches.
“I was so disappointed when they kept the line the way it is,” Auriemma said. “Like, two lines on the floor [on college courts]. Please. Like another indication that, what, we’re not capable?
“So I’m rooting for the day they move that line back. And widen the lane, so they make the game even more free flowing. It’s beautiful now, compared to what it was. And I think it’s got so much more room to grow. I hope the powers that be take advantage of those opportunities to make those changes.”
Auriemma’s Huskies, the No. 1 seed in the River Walk Region, face Mercado Region No. 3 seed Arizona in the national semifinals at 9:30 p.m. ET Friday. That is gone before by Alamo Region No. 1 Stanford versus Hemisfair Region No. 1 South Carolina at 6 p.m. The two games are on ESPN.
Arizona coach Adia Barnes, who played in the WNBA and internationally for several years, said, “I think it’s great when there’s consistency overall,” however added she had not contemplated whether the women’s college game should change the arc.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, who additionally played numerous years professionally, said she approves of keeping the women’s college line where it is.
Of the Final Four groups, Stanford leads in 3-point shooting, having made 281-of-773 (38.3%). UConn has made 196 while shooting 35.4%; Arizona 156 at 33.8%; and South Carolina 129 at 33.2%.
UConn guard Christyn Williams, who has made 47 3-pointers this season, said she would approve of moving back the women’s line.
“I think we can do anything the guys can do,” Williams said of having the arc farther out. “As far as spacing is concerned, that will help as well. I wouldn’t mind it.”