45-Second Shot Clock Is Expected to Be Approved at NCAA Meeting

College basketball is almost certain to have a 45-second shot clock next season, but it likely will take longer to deal with the problem of late-game fouling, NCAA official Edward Steitz said Thursday.

Steitz, athletic director at Springfield College and longtime editor of the NCAA’s rules committee, told a news conference that 62% of the National Assn. of Basketball Coaches surveyed called for the NCAA to adopt the shot clock for all games next season.

The clock, similar to the 24-second clock used by the pros, was used experimentally by 23 conferences during the 1984-85 season.

The NCAA will meet next week to vote formally on the shot clock. A two-thirds majority of the rules committee is needed for passage. “The likelihood of it failing is almost nil,” Steitz said.

The support wasn’t as strong for two possible solutions to late-game fouling--one or two shots and retaining possession (44% approval by responding coaches) or giving the team fouled the right to waive the shots and inbound the ball again, as is done in Olympic play (50%).

Fifty-five percent urged stricter enforcement of rim-hanging violations. But only 28% supported widening the three-second lane to reduce rough play. Coaches also reversed their opinion on the coaching box inaugurated for 1984-85. A year ago, 61% opposed it. Now, Steitz said, 63% approved of it--along with 92% of the officials who responded.

Close to 4,000 questionnaires were sent out to NCAA, NAIA and junior college coaches, college administrators, referees and media. There was a 55% response, 2,188.