Watching so much basketball action, one can’t help but imagine how the game could be improved with a few tweaks here and there with the rules.

I hate to see players foul out; in fact I’m not sure if there’s another sport that eliminates players due to infractions, unless of course they’re ejected from the contest for unacceptable behavior. I would suggest that players be allowed to remain in the game after their fifth foul; however, with each foul committed above the fifth foul, the subsequent free throw would increase in value. For example, as a player commits his sixth foul; the victim’s free throw would be worth two points instead of one. As the seventh foul is committed, the victim’s free throw would be valued at three points, etc. The burden would be on coaches to determine whether or not to keep such high risk players in the game, and if they could afford the penalty. Some very interesting situations would be created. To keep coaches from substituting such high-risk players to only play on the offensive end, after players’ fifth foul, they would only be allowed to reenter the game two times.

I also don’t care too much about the alternating possession on tie-up situations. At one time we referred to such cases as ‘jump balls’; however, now we simply alternate which team gets the ball when such occurs. I suggest we go back to the jump ball, but in doing so, add another method to determine which team gets the ball. I would like to see the ball placed at center court with both teams facing each other, lined up at either baseline. The players involved with the tie-up from each team would sprint to mid-court. The quicker player would tap the ball from the mid-court circle to an awaiting player. All sorts of strategies would have to be considered, such as how many players to stay back for defense as opposed to how many would be sent out to get the ball. I can picture two players coming from opposing directions, diving for the ball positioned at mid-court, and the ensuing scramble. The ‘jump ball’ and the ‘mad dash’ would be alternated with each tie-up.

And last, but definitely not least, is the ‘charge/block’ situation. Officials can call this any way they want to, and probably get it right half the time. As a result, half of the fans, coaches and players are going to be upset each time a charge or block is whistled. I recommend that the ‘charge/block’ be done away with altogether. Standing stationary or falling down should not be a means of defense. If a player makes no effort to stop the ball then don’t call anything. I believe the foul should be called on the person initiating the contact, but not contact made on a stationary player.

Don’t expect these changes anytime soon. In fact don’t ever expect to see them. They’re simply fanciful wishes from someone who’s watched too much basketball over the past few weeks. I DON’T KNOW JACK SQUAT, but you’ve probably figured that out by now.