[Sam Leopold]

Ken Pomeroy on video reviews:

The game times, they are increasing - by Ken Pomeroy

. . . . . . . . . Game times are up nearly six minutes since 2021.

. . . . . . . .

Before I get into a rant about reviews, I have to concede that the additional six minutes is probably not entirely due to reviews. Delays from reviews seem to be getting worse, but they’ve been bad for a while. There may also be a contribution from more subtle things like the new tradition of free throw huddles towards the end of games occurring on the sideline with the coach instead of in the lane.

My data also indicates that ESPN broadcasts in particular have ballooned (an average of 2:08 this season) and it’s possible the network has bloated game length in some way. However, manually timing commercial breaks is where I draw the line for research.

Clearly, though, reviews are the main culprit. More gets added to the list of reviewable plays with every rules update. For instance, it’s absolutely insane to retroactively review goaltending calls. The offensive team rebounds about half of all blocked shots, but when a goaltending call is overturned, it’s assumed the defensive team would have gained possession in all cases. It’s an example of how trying to get every call right is actually impossible. It sounds noble to strive for, but it’s not something you can legislate into existence due to the free-flowing nature of the game.

The single easiest fix to fight the increase in game length is to adopt the NBA system where out of bounds reviews can only be initiated by a coach’s challenge. Currently, coaches and players effectively have unlimited challenges. Any of them can twirl their finger in the last two minutes and officials are obligated to go to the monitor. Even the most obvious calls can trigger a lengthy viewing party for the officials.

Unfortunately, there’s a custom among the college hoops’ vanguard that adopting an idea from the NBA is a sign of weakness. Therefore, we must wait years (three-point line, charge circle) or decades (shot clock) or possibly generations (quarters) to implement useful ideas. Not all NBA innovations are great but a coach’s challenge system for out of bounds calls would make the end-game quite a bit more watchable. If you think a call is obviously wrong, then risk a timeout to challenge it. Otherwise, keep playing.

[Sam Leopold]

Ken Pomeroy on video reviews:

The game times, they are increasing - by Ken Pomeroy

. . . . . . . . . Game times are up nearly six minutes since 2021.

. . . . . . . .

Before I get into a rant about reviews, I have to concede that the additional six minutes is probably not entirely due to reviews. Delays from reviews seem to be getting worse, but they’ve been bad for a while. There may also be a contribution from more subtle things like the new tradition of free throw huddles towards the end of games occurring on the sideline with the coach instead of in the lane.

My data also indicates that ESPN broadcasts in particular have ballooned (an average of 2:08 this season) and it’s possible the network has bloated game length in some way. However, manually timing commercial breaks is where I draw the line for research.

Clearly, though, reviews are the main culprit. More gets added to the list of reviewable plays with every rules update. For instance, it’s absolutely insane to retroactively review goaltending calls. The offensive team rebounds about half of all blocked shots, but when a goaltending call is overturned, it’s assumed the defensive team would have gained possession in all cases. It’s an example of how trying to get every call right is actually impossible. It sounds noble to strive for, but it’s not something you can legislate into existence due to the free-flowing nature of the game.

The single easiest fix to fight the increase in game length is to adopt the NBA system where out of bounds reviews can only be initiated by a coach’s challenge. Currently, coaches and players effectively have unlimited challenges. Any of them can twirl their finger in the last two minutes and officials are obligated to go to the monitor. Even the most obvious calls can trigger a lengthy viewing party for the officials.

Unfortunately, there’s a custom among the college hoops’ vanguard that adopting an idea from the NBA is a sign of weakness. Therefore, we must wait years (three-point line, charge circle) or decades (shot clock) or possibly generations (quarters) to implement useful ideas. Not all NBA innovations are great but a coach’s challenge system for out of bounds calls would make the end-game quite a bit more watchable. If you think a call is obviously wrong, then risk a timeout to challenge it. Otherwise, keep playing.