PBA to introduce four-point shot in upcoming Season 49

In a bid to further engage the fans and elevate competition, the PBA is bringing in some innovations in the upcoming Season 49 offering, one of which is the introduction of the four-point shot.

This development will see the PBA court featuring a 27-meter arc from the basket, with the shots made beyond it to be counted as four points. The usual 23-meter three-point line, meanwhile, will be retained.

This won't be the first time the league will adopt the said rule as the PBA earlier utilized it during the recent All-Star Game last March, where Robert Bolick buried a four-point shot then drew a foul from Calvin Abueva to complete a five-point play and force a 140-all deadlock.

Barangay Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua said the new rule will encourage teams to shy away from zone defense and allow for a more fast-paced brand of basketball.

"Nagawa na natin ito sa All-Star Game. With this rule, mababawasan ang zone defense, lalabas ang depensa at mas tutulin ang laro," said Chua.

[We did this in the All-Star Game. With this rule, we'll see less of zone defense, defense will come out and the game will speed up.]

—JMB, GMA Integrated News