The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is set to revolutionize the game by officially adopting a four-point shot starting from the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup. This bold move makes the PBA the first major professional 5×5 basketball league in the world to integrate a four-point field goal into its rules.
The four-point shot is not entirely new to basketball enthusiasts. It was first introduced by the Harlem Globetrotters and later adopted by the Big3 basketball league. In these formats, the four-point shot is attempted from a designated area on the court, typically 30 feet away from the basket. The PBA’s version will feature a four-point line stretching 27 feet from the basket, adding a new strategic element to the game.
The introduction of the four-point shot is expected to have a significant impact on how the game is played. Teams will need to adjust their offensive and defensive strategies to account for this new scoring opportunity. Players with exceptional long-range shooting skills will become even more valuable, and coaches will have to rethink their game plans to incorporate the four-point shot effectively.
Players have expressed mixed feelings about the new rule. Some, like All-Star MVP Paul Lee, are excited about the potential for more dynamic and high-scoring games. Lee, who has already showcased his long-range shooting skills in All-Star games, believes that the four-point shot will add an exciting new dimension to the PBA.
For fans, the four-point shot promises to bring more excitement and unpredictability to the games. The possibility of a team quickly closing a gap or extending a lead with a single shot will keep spectators on the edge of their seats. This change is likely to increase fan engagement and bring a fresh wave of enthusiasm to PBA games.
The PBA’s decision to adopt the four-point shot is a bold and innovative step that could reshape the future of basketball. Whether this experiment will be adopted by other leagues remains to be seen, but for now, the PBA is leading the charge in pushing the boundaries of the sport.
