Mark Pope wants to change 2 major NCAA rules — should the game evolve?
Mark Pope is never shy about his ideas, and now he’s got his eye on the NCAA rulebook.
Appearing on The Sideline with Andy Katz, Kentucky’s head coach shared two changes he’d like to see in men’s college basketball — one that feels inevitable, and another that could drastically reshape the end of close games.
1. From halves to quarters
Men’s college basketball is the last major version of the sport still playing two 20-minute halves. The women’s game moved to four quarters in 2015. FIBA, the NBA, and even high schools all use quarters. So why haven’t the men followed suit?
Pope pointed it out bluntly:
“(Men’s college basketball is) the only…not even the women…we’re the only remaining basketball entity that has halves.”
The NCAA argues that halves allow for better game flow. Others point to tradition — after all, Dr. James Naismith, the sport’s inventor, originally envisioned two 15-minute halves.
But there are real reasons to modernize:
- Better pacing with natural breaks.
- Foul resets each quarter, avoiding drawn-out foul fests.
- TV-friendly structure that aligns with other basketball broadcasts.
It might not be a revolutionary change, but it could make the game smoother for players and more digestible for viewers.
It’s an NBA-style rule — when a team calls a timeout late in the game, they can inbound from the frontcourt rather than full-court.
Supporters say it makes end-of-game situations more exciting and gives teams a shot at drawing up elite-level plays with seconds remaining. Instead of a wild heave, you might get a clean corner three or a well-timed alley-oop.
But not everyone’s on board. Including…me.
Personally, I like the current college rule better. It forces more skill and coaching under pressure. Teams have to inbound, navigate a press, and make something happen. That’s basketball. That’s drama. It may be harder — but it rewards preparation, not just playbook trickery. I mean the 95 Edney shot is one of the best moments of the tournament, advance the ball and that’s gone.
