New 3-point line no big deal to Wolfpack sharpshooters

An NCAA rule change has moved the arc back from 20 feet, 9 inches to the new distance 22 feet, 1 3/4 inches this season

Thank's to an NCAA rule changes enacted during the offseason, college basketball's 3-point line has been moved back from 20 feet, 9 inches to the international distance of 22 feet, 1¾ inches in 2019-20.

Although it's only a step or so farther back, it's hoped that the new distance will make the lane more available for drives from the perimeter and slow the proliferation of 3-point attempts over the past few years.

It's also assumed that shooting percentages will go down, at least slightly.

So far, though, NC State's perimeter shooters say they haven't noticed much of a difference shooting from the new distances.

Here's what they had to say about it at Thursday's preseason media day, starting with Braxton Beverly ...

"It was a little difference at first just to see the line and just to feel the line below you a little farther back. But the distance wasn't too much. At first there was this line, plus the college line so it kind of messed with you a little bit Once they got it fixed, it started (become more natural)."

Teammate C.J. Bryce joked that with Beverly's range -- which extends well beyond both the old and new arcs, it doesn't really matter where the line is set.

When it comes to his own 3-point shooting, Bryce said that the difference isn't something players notice during the course of a game.

"Once you get out there and start playing, you're not really thinking about too much," Bryce said. "It will spread the floor out for us even more."

Because of the style State plays, junior guard Devon Daniels said he doubts that the new distance will have any effect on the number 3-pointers the team will attempt this season.

"The 3-pointer is a huge part of the game now," Daniels said. "When you shoot a 3-pointer, you're not really going to be like right on the line. I haven't seen too much of a difference in the way we play."