Three-point shooting has been a significant part of basketball for decades. However, with the evolution of basketball strategy in recent years, the importance and frequency of the three-pointer have increased exponentially. In today’s game, it is rare to find a team that doesn’t incorporate three-point shooting in its offensive strategy. This article takes an in-depth look at the evolution of three-point shooting in college basketball, how it has emerged as a crucial part of the game, and the players who have revolutionized it.

The Origin of Three-Point Shooting in College Basketball

The three-point line was first introduced in a competitive basketball game in the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1967. However, the National Basketball Association (NBA) was hesitant to adopt the rule until 1979. In 1986, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) introduced the three-point line to college basketball as an experimental rule, following the ABA and NBA footsteps. The three-point shot became popular and became a permanent fixture in the game.

Three-point shooting in college basketball was initially seen as a risky strategy; it was regarded as a “low percentage shot.” However, as the years progressed, the popularity of the three-point line grew dramatically, and coaches began to incorporate it into their game strategy.

The Impact of Three-Point Line in College Basketball

The implementation of the three-pointer has transformed college basketball, allowing the shooting range to become much wider. Players could shoot from longer distances, resulting in the emergence of new strategies such as the stretch four. The stretch four is a versatile player capable of shooting beyond the three-point line and playing in the paint.

The Role of Three-Point Shooting in Today’s College Basketball

The game of basketball has experienced a significant shift in strategy over the last decade. With the rise of advanced analytics and the success of teams such as the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, college basketball has followed suit. Today, the three-point line has become an essential aspect of the game, and teams that do not have proficient three-point shooters are at a considerable disadvantage.

According to NCAA statistics, the number of three-point field goal attempts in games has increased 55% since 2010. Similarly, the percentage of total points scored from three-point shots has also increased dramatically, from 19% in 2010 to 33% in 2021.

The Players Who Revolutionized Three-Point Shooting

As the game evolved, teams started adopting the small-ball strategy. This system allowed for more players on the court that could shoot beyond the arc. Players with shooting expertise started becoming an integral part of a team’s gameplay instead of just rebounding and playing in the paint. These players came to be known as three-point specialists, as their primary role was to score beyond the arc. Some famous college three-point specialists include J.J. Redick, Kyle Korver, Steph Curry, and Buddy Hield.

Curry played at Davidson College, shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc during his three years there. His incredible three-point shooting ability and range reshaped helped a small school like Davidson come within one game of the Final Four in 2008. His long-range success at Golden State has played a significant role in college players wanting to emulate what he’s done.

College basketball fans have seen some legendary three-point shooters over the years. The late Darrall Imhoff, who played college basketball for California, made the first-ever three-pointer in college basketball history. Other notable college basketball three-point shooters include Glen Rice, J.J. Redick, Jimmer Fredette, and Doug McDermott.

The Three-Point Shot in Today’s Game

Today, the college basketball game revolves around the three-point shot. With the players becoming more athletic and dynamic, the three-pointer has become an essential weapon in a team’s gameplay. On average, a college basketball team takes around 25-30 three-point shots per match. Teams that score well beyond the arc have a higher chance of winning as the shot is a significant game-changer in today’s game.

The Future of Three-Point Shooting in College Basketball

The importance and frequency of three-point shooting are likely to continue to increase in college basketball. The shift in strategy has been so profound that some coaches are now recruiting players explicitly for their long-range shooting abilities. As the game progresses, we can expect to see even more proficient long-range shooters and an even greater emphasis on three-point strategy.

Whether the line will move back closer to the NBA length is unknown. A few years ago, the NCAA moved the line back from just under 21 feet to more than 22 feet. If the shooting percentage stays, chances are the NCAA will continue its trend of moving it closer to the NBA distance, which is just under 24 feet at its longest length.

Conclusion

The evolution of three-point shooting in college basketball has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially, the strategy was seen as risky, but today, it is an essential part of any winning game plan. Steph Curry and other NBA players have significantly impacted the college game, and it is exciting to think about what future players and strategies will emerge.

With the Phoenix Suns odds in the NBA soaring high with their shooting, while still relying on penetration and muscle, the NBA and college games have much to look forward to in the coming years.

Have you ever heard of the NBA Hall of Fame? It’s an impressive group of iconic basketball figures honoring the great players and other contributors who have had a lasting impact on the game. But often, this incredible honor is overlooked, as there are still some incredibly talented people that passed up on their chance to join this elite rank.

Today we’re going to take a look at five worthy players who should’ve been enshrined yet never made it into the NBA Hall of Fame. We’ll discover why they deserved hall-of-fame induction but ultimately failed to achieve such greatness.

So sit back, relax, and don’t forget to catch up with all matches this week and all the NBA team odds to win big. Let’s dive into our list!

Chris Webber

Chris Webber is a basketball legend known for his incredible talent both on and off the court. With five All-Star appearances to his name, it’s no wonder he’s regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time.

However, it’s his time as a member of the “Fab Five” that truly cemented his place in history. Alongside fellow University of Michigan players Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson, Webber helped revolutionize basketball in the early 90s with their brash playing style and iconic fashion choices.

Even today, he remains an inspiration to young athletes who dream of following in his footsteps.

Mitch Richmond

Mitch Richmond may have missed being inducted into the Hall of Fame by just one vote, but there’s no denying that he’s had an impressive career. With nearly 20,000 career points under his belt, this retired NBA superstar made a name for himself on the court.

Richmond played for multiple teams during his career, including the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors, where he won a championship. He was known for his scoring ability and for being a deadly shooter from beyond the arc. Despite missing out on the Hall of Fame by a hair, Richmond’s contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.

Mark Price

Mark Price is a name that basketball fans from the 80s and 90s remember well. This sharpshooter point guard made a name for himself with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the late 80s and early 90s.

Although he wasn’t the flashiest player on the court, his precise shooting and impressive ball-handling skills earned him a reputation as one of the best guards of his era. Price was instrumental in leading the Cavs to their first-ever Eastern Conference Championship in 1992.

His contributions to the team were undeniable and his impact on the game cannot be underestimated. Mark Price will always be remembered as a prolific scorer and an all-time great guard.

Dan Majerle

If you have been following the NBA for a while, you must have heard of Dan Majerle. He is a former NBA player who made a name for himself in the league thanks to his incredible defensive skills.

Dan was not just an ordinary player; he was a three-time NBA All-Star and was known as one of the best defenders during his prime years. To put it simply, he was a force to be reckoned with on the court.

Fans loved his tenacity, and rivals hated going against him. Dan’s impressive career spanned over a decade, and his contributions to the game will always be remembered.

Tim Hardaway

If you’re a basketball fan, chances are you’ve heard of the UTEP Two-Step move. And if you’re a true hoops aficionado, you know it was patented by none other than Tim Hardaway, a five-time NBA All-Star.

Hardaway was a wizard on the court with lightning-quick moves and a knack for reading defenders. But it was his signature move – a quick, two-step crossover dribble that often left his defender grasping at the air – that set him apart.

Whether you’re trying to emulate Hardaway’s moves on the court or just appreciate great basketball, it’s worth taking a closer look at what made this legendary player so special.

Whether you are a fan of the Houston Rockets or the San Antonio Spurs, you will surely be looking into the betting action going on between these two rival teams this year, and the Houston Rockets picks are pretty hot. 

The Spurs vs Rockets rivalry is also well known as the I-10 rivalry, since both Houston and San Antonio lie on Interstate 10. It is one of the 3 primary NBA rivalries, and is solely between Texan teams. Another of the rivalries that is Texas Based features both of the aforementioned teams versus the Dallas Mavericks.

Rivalry Background

The rivalry began between these two teams in 1976. The Spurs moved from the ABA, and the Rockets and Spurs started competing for the division title, with the Rockets winning it in 1977 first, then the Spurs winning it in ‘78 and again in ‘79. 

Then in 1980, they met again in the playoffs for the first time, as the Rockets, who were fronted by Malone and Murphy, ended up beating the Spurs, who had Silas and Gervin, in a 2-1 battle.

The rivalry intensified more later on as the teams moved from the East over to the West, and they later met in 1981, in the second round. 

This time the Spurs had a home advantage, and they were favorites to win, and won the Midwest Division Title. 

The Spurs and Rockets fought before the Rockets ended up holding on desperately to gain game 7, which was only just capped by the 42 points by Murphy. The Houston Rockets ended up going on to the Finals, just to lose against the Celtic. 

Then in 1995, the Rockets were led by Olajuwon, and ended up beating the Spurs, who were the top seed.

Playoffs – 1981

One of the most key moments in this rivalry was the 7th Game. The Rockets were 40-42, and were hoping to upset the Spurs who were 52-30 in order to go onto the Western Conference Finals. 

They were led by Murphy’s 42 points, and the Rockets managed to take the Spurs down and advance onto the Finals, and defeated the Kansas City Kings, moving onto the NBA Finals that year. However, they ended up defeated by the Celtics, and it took them 18 years to see a berth at the Finals again, and to gain a Title.

Playoffs – 1995

Then in 1995, the Rockets looked like they were going to win their second NBA Championship in a row, in spite of a slow start they managed to get through the Utah Jazz, and the Phoenix Suns.

The Rockets ended up encountering the Spurs, who were the top seed, in the Conference Finals. The Spurs had defeated the Nuggets and the Lakers prior to this in 6 games.

Olajuwon had the most career-impressive moments when the Spurs finally met the Rockets in the Conference Finals. He managed to outplay the crowned MVP Robinson. That year, the Rockets won every road game and ended up beating the Spurs 4-2. They swept the Magic in the NBA Finals, and took the division, conference, and championship titles.

The Rockets Return – 2004

The 2004 game between the Rockets and Spurs has NBA picks going crazy. In December 2004, the game had been fought for a long time, and the Spurs were mostly leading, with the Rockets fans booing their own team. 

McGrady, then, scored 13 points in 25 seconds, this included a 3 with only 1.7 seconds left, giving the Rockets an awesome 81-80 comeback. Finally, this ended their 7-game losing run against the Spurs.

A Comeback For The Spurs – 2008

Then in 2008, both teams would meet for their 1st match of the season in November in San Antonio. The Spurs started their season with the poorest record in their history due to Ginobili’s Olympic injury, and Parker’s sprained ankle. 

This was their first regular season game that included Parker, and also was the first game for Artest, McGrady, and Ming where they’d face the Spurs.

In spite of them missing over 40 points in scores from having 2 injured guards, Duncan (an MVP) and Hill led the Spurs’ to victory. Duncan made a left on a hook shot with 59 seconds left, taking the lead 76-75. 

After the Sours made 1 of their 2 free throws, the Rockets had one chance, and Artest missed as time ran out, giving the Spurs a 2-point victory.

Playoffs – 2017

The Spurs went into the playoffs as the 2nd seed, taking out their first opponent, the Grizzlies in 6 games. The Rockets entered as the 3rd, and were led by D’Antoni, which helped them set the record for the most 3-pointers in 1 season. They took down the Thunder in 5 games. 

Eventually they met in the Western conference Semifinals, and was the first in the playoffs since the ‘95 finals.

The first game saw the Spurs defeated 126-99, but then the second saw the Spurs defeat the Rockets 121-96, but they lost Parker.

The Spurs ended up defeating the Rockets that year, in spite of so many injuries.

Overall

The intensity of this rivalry is one that makes it so much better to watch, and since it is an entirely Texas-based rivalry, it is even more worth the watch!