Tonight, I was watching the UConn/Memphis game and Jay Bilas said he thought the college game would greatly benefit from reducing the shot clock to 24 seconds. I haven't really given it much thought in the past, but it is an interesting topic.

When I watch NBA games, it seems to be more isolation and one-on-one plays than the college game. I suppose it's because, as the shot clocks winds down, a play has to be made quickly. I know there are a lot more possessions in the NBA, but I'm not sure they are higher quality possessions.

On the other hand, college basketball teams average around 25 possessions/game less than NBA teams even though they only play 8 minutes less. It will create more scoring opportunities each game and speed up the game. I'm still not sure which side of the discussion I side with, but it is an intriguing conversation.

My knee jerk reaction, with little to no thought, is no--don't switch.  First of all, there's little/nothing in the NBA game anyone wants to emulate--so guilt by association.  Secondly, I think it would be bad for teams like Ohio, or mid-majors in general--especially versus the majors.    The shorter shot clock would prioritize the importance of play makers who can create their own shots versus multiple offensive sets designed to create shots for players who may not necessarily be able to create them on their own at a more necessary rate if the shot clock was always running down.  Outside of AB and possibly DJ, we haven't had a ton of those kind of guys at Ohio in recent memory, or the MAC in general.   If you got frustrated at DJ's shot selection, imagine what it would've been like with a 24 sec shot clock?   Typically those types of players with incredible individual talents flock to the larger conferences.  Consider the NBA and think of the top teams?  To be a top team in the NBA you typical must have a bona fide superstar.  Guys who get one pass and they're instant offense.  Typically MAC type teams that advance have systems, sets and a handful of above average players in a system that works for them.  In the NBA, the teams in the finals are superstar led and not teams with above average players in a system.  The only NBA teams in the upper tier I can think of that win through a system are the Spurs and Pacers.  The rest rely on great individual playmakers.  Finally, the shorter shot clock would take a lot of the beauty out of the game as well as a lot of the strategy.  Fewer and shorter set players and a lot more 1-2 pass and shot.  Goodbye Princeton offense or any other scheme that allows a less individually talented squad an opportunity to compete against a team of 5- star type players.

Just one opinion and I don't necessarily feel great about it--but I still say no.

I've always said I'd like to see an even 30.  24 is too short for the NBA game, but forcing the tempo a touch more could be a good things for the college game.  High school 35, College 30, NBA 24.  Not unlike the 3 point arc or game time.

I agree with Chicken George and bornacat on this.

I don't favor reducing to 24.  But 30?  

I think 35 seconds is fine, but it's not because of any distaste I have for the NBA. I love both college and NBA styles for what they are. I just think we'd see a bad 3-pointer jacked up nearly every possession in college basketball.

went to a HS game tonite and watched a very disciplined Wapehani team with a pretty good Wright State recruit playint.

Lots of good ball movement with fundamental passing and cuts. Took time to talk to coach afterward and commend him on the skill and discipline his team exhibited in the face of a pretty tenacious defense. Talked to him about the shot clock concept. ....his take was that folks who are espousing a shot clock for HS don;t go to too many games or understand the game very well....then he added that "the game at this level is for the kids ...teaching them skills and lessons that will carry them through life....it's not about appeasing the fans" 

Interesting take.

I think he might be right on that . I think the shot clock for all star games and showcases makes sense....not so much for regular season till you can openly recruit kids who fit your particular system. As long as you have tryouts and cuts and have to work with waht shows up each year the shot clock does not make much sense IMHO. THrow in the expense of outfitting every gym and training shot clock operators (like we don;t have enough trouble at the collegiate level) and it makes less sense.

When folks get out to a few more HS games, have a better background and more experience with the HS game as it is currently played, I will begin to listen to them and have an informed debate. A fair amount of folks I have talked to recently about the shot clock in HS games have not been to a game in a half decade or more.

Not to be a smartass, but where is there any difference between four 10 minute quarters and two 20 minute halves? One additional change of possession each half is the only thing I can think of.

I did go to my 5th high school game of the season tonight. (I'd go to more, but I am stuck watching a lot of junior high and elementary games right now.) I watched the game tonight with more attention to the average length of each possession. Neither team was very good. One had low skills, and another has a complete lack of discipline. From what I could guess, they averaged around 0:30 per possession. The game had decent flow and the final was 62-50, which is about average for a 32 minute high school game. The only time in the game I wished there was a shot clock was the last 2:30 with the team with a 6 point lead started to stall. They didn't quite go 4 Corners Carolina, but it was close. The game was too close at that point for me to want to watch must-foul basketball that early. I don't think a shot clock is logical for high school for a lot of the reasons mentioned already.

Maybe I'm just conditioned to prefer the college game because I watch 25 college games for every 1 NBA game. I agree with a lot of the points made about each possession being more valuable. I also like the strategy and commitment to the system in order for either offense or defense to be successful. I think the shot clock will eventually be reduced, but 30 seconds seems like the most logical number.