NBL announces rule changes ahead of new season

Sydney Kings fans can expect more dunks and highlights during the NBL23 season with the league making a rule adjustment to open up the keyway and encourage more spectacular plays above the rim.

“We want our game to be as entertaining and as high scoring as possible, and always filled with incredible highlights and spectacular plays,” NBL chief operations officer Vince Crivelli said.

“The NBL is home to some seriously athletic and entertaining high flyers and we want to give them the freedom to showcase their skills and athleticism.

“We’ve looked into what’s working best overseas and have elected to adopt a rule change that has been implemented in the Euroleague and the NBA and works very well.”

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The new rule means a blocking foul will now be called in situations where contact is caused by an airborne offensive player on a defensive player who has one foot, or both feet, inside, or on, the defensive semi-circle under the basket.

In previous seasons, this would have been a no-call.

If the defensive player jumps vertically to contest the airborne offensive player, the play will be judged normally, and the provisions of the defensive semicircle do not apply.

Exceptions to the rule apply if the offensive player is illegally using his hands, arms, body or legs.

“We believe this rule adjustment will prevent defensive players from parking themselves under the basket and thus prohibiting offensive attacks on the rim and the types of plays all fans want to see," Crivelli said.

“Driving lanes to the basket should open up, which will increase scoring opportunities and allow our players more room to operate.”

Other rule changes include a new definition for development players, the introduction of a throw-in foul and an adjustment to video reviews of goaltending and basket interference.

Development player roster spots will now be available to any non-restricted player under 25 years of age, even if they have already had a fully contracted spot on an NBL roster.

A throw-in foul will give the offensive team one free throw and possession if an offensive player is fouled before an inbounds pass in the last two minutes of a game.

In previous seasons, this situation would have resulted in an unsportsmanlike foul. An unsportsmanlike foul can still be called in this situation if the defender deliberately grabs an opponent or excessively fouls an opponent.

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On video reviews of goaltending and basket interference in the last two minutes, a jump ball will now be called if the call is overturned and neither team had gained immediate and clear control of the ball.

In previous seasons, possession would have been decided via the possession arrow.

The NBL season tips off on Saturday, October 1, when the South East Melbourne Phoenix face the Tasmania JackJumpers and the Illawarra Hawks battle the Sydney Kings. Illawarra Hawks battle the Sydney Kings.

Every game of the season will be broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel, while the Sunday games will be simulcast on 10 Peach and 10 Play.