D-League adopting the FIBA Goaltending rule

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/09/29/new-rules/

For those under a rock

The new goaltending rule follows the standard used in the international game that allows a player to knock the ball away when it is on the rim. Prior to this season, the NBA D-League used NBA goaltending rules, which prohibit players from touching the ball when it is on the cylinder.

I don't particularly like that rule, it had me shouting at the TV a couple of the times for a goaltend during the world cup.

I love it since it gives big men something else to do other than bailing out floppers.

Yep, a result of FIBA suggesting NBA to adopt the rule. Glad it's getting a trial in the D-League!

Personally, I prefer the NBA's goaltending rule though if they're intent on giving it a shot, trying it out in the D-League first is a good idea.

Agreed Andrew. It's possible there could be too many wasted made shots. I don't think the system failed us yet.

Not sure how well this is going to work with people like Dwight Howard around.

So how is the goaltend gonna be called then if you can knock the ball in the rim?

cant put your hand through the rim to knock it out, can't touch the ball before it hits the rim

The article doesn't mention it, but I wonder if they're changing the rules for offensive players as well; presumably they are, otherwise it's a little unfair.

Also worth noting is the change to the length of overtime:

Overtime periods in the NBA D-League this year will be three minutes in duration, down from the five minutes of previous seasons.

Too short or at the very least an unnecessary change in my opinion. Five extra minutes seemed fine to me.