Geno Auriemma (Photo Credit: Getty Images, By: Jeff Zelevansky)
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut and U.S. Olympic coach Geno Auriemma wants the rims lowered in women’s basketball.
The Hartford Courant reports Auriemma made the comments to reporters Monday following the taping of sports talk show for Connecticut Public Television.
“Lower the rim,” Auriemma said. “Do you think the average fan knows that the net is lower in women’s volleyball than men’s volleyball? It’s about seven inches shorter so the women have the chance for the same kind of success at the net.”
He says volleyball nets are lower in the women’s game, and lowering rims from 10 feet would be no different.
Auriemma, who has led UConn to seven national championships, also suggested other rules changes, including one that is a nod to the 1972 law that paved the way for increased participation in women’s sports.
“Let’s say the average men’s player is 6-5 and the average woman is 5-11,” Auriemma said. “Let’s lower the rim seven inches; let’s say 7.2 inches to honor Title IX. If you lower it, the average fan likely wouldn’t even notice it.”
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