There seemed to be more consternation among players, coaches and fans about the block/charge call in college basketball during the 2011-12 season than at any other time I can remember. In part, I believe it was because of the perception that the introduction of the three-foot restricted arc circle under the basket played a big part in collisions at the rim.
Ironically, the restricted-arc-circle rule and the block/charge rule, instead of opening up driving opportunities for the offensive player, actually hindered him. This was not the intent of either rule.
In fact, restricted-arc plays accounted for less than one play per game and had little bearing on the results. Instead, the block/charge call anywhere near the lane has become more difficult to officiate at the college level. These are two different issues, so I will cover them one at a time.
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Fran Fraschilla
College BasketballABOUT THIS BLOG
College Basketball Experts
Fran Fraschilla is an analyst for ESPN and was previously the head coach at New Mexico, St. John's and Manhattan.
Joe Lunardi is the resident bracketologist for ESPN.
Seth Greenberg is an analyst for ESPN and was previously the head coach at Virginia Tech, South Florida and Long Beach State.
