Alright, enough whining, TechHoops.com fans, I’m back from sabbatical.  I guarantee at least 90% new material in every article… but there’s only a 50% chance of that.

OK, so I’m back… what to write about…

THREE POINT LINE

Just a reminder that the college three-point line moves back a foot next year from 19′9″ to 20′9″.   This is the first time the NCAA has “officially” moved the line since it instituted it across the board back in 1986.  The Southern Conference was the first to use a three-point line (conferences can supercede NCAA rules for conference only games, as can tournaments).  The ACC also tinkered with a three-point line that was actually less than 19′9″.  In other words, it was shorter than the top of the key!  Yeesh.  Maybe if they went back to that, VT could actually hit a few.

The funny/annoying thing about the line moving is the Hokies finally became a three-point threat at the end of the season.  Well, I should say two guys were: Malcolm Delaney and A.D. Vassallo.  Even Deron Washington finally started hitting a few.

On the season, VT hit 192 threes in 35 games, or 5.49 per game.  That ranked 11th in the ACC, ahead of just maryland.  But Tech hit eight or more three-pointers in four of their final seven games and averaged 7.4 made per game over that span, including 26 in their three NIT games.  So what happens?  The line moves back a foot.

I see this move a good thing for Virginia Tech overall though.  A.D. still has the range to hit threes from 21 feet, and it will make other teams worse.  Plus, with the line out, defenses will naturally extend out a bit, leading to more room for Jeff Allen and J.T. Thompson inside.  Plus, Hank Thorns could have more room to slash and dish.

I haven’t been in Cassell yet to see if the line has been moved yet on the main court and practice courts, but I know Seth Greenberg said he was planning to do it quickly, and the sooner the better so the guys adjust.  They will either get better, or realize maybe they aren’t three-point shooters anymore.

FYI: The line is 23′9″ in the NBA (22′ in the corners) and 20′6″ in international play, including the Olympics this summer.  So the Olympic distance is actually less than college now, although the line is moving out to 22′2″ in 2010. For more on the three-point line, go to Wikipedia (shocker they have a page JUST about the 3-point line): Wikipedia’s Tribute to the 3

FIRST BLOOD

You all learned about my respect and admiration for Rambo back in February.  Well, while at a comedy last week that I’m embarrassed to admit I was at, I saw a preview that changed my plans for this coming week.  For ONE NIGHT ONLY, First Blood (aka: the original Rambo), is being shown in “select” theaters around the nation.  One night!  One chance!  Crank up Eminem’s song Lose Yourself. This is your one last chance at history!

The biggest debate for my buddy and me is whether to see it locally or drive out to Manassas, VA to see it with REAL Rambo fans.  Smuggle in the tallboys!  I know I’m not going to Tyson’s Corner to see it.  If I saw anyone in a sportcoat there, I’d have to punch them, and I’m sure I would.

For more info and theaters showing it near you, go to http://www.fathomevents.com/ and select First Blood from the Event drop-down list.

RECRUITING

Tyshawn Taylor, a four-star point guard prospect VT was hot-and-heavy on last Fall, has committed to National Champ kansas.  He had previously signed with marquette but was granted a release after Tom Crean left to coach three scholarship players at indiana (yes, they really only have three guys left from last year’s team, plus five incoming recruits). 

The Hokies are still in the running for five-star prospect Deshawn Painter.  Painter is transferring from Booker T. Washington HS in the ‘757′ to Hargrave Military Academy for his Senior season.  He is ranked the #3 Center and #22 overall prospect in the Class of 2009 according to Rivals.com.  He would REALLY fit a need for the Hokies.  His cousin, Vinston Painter, is enrolling at VT next Fall and will be an O-Lineman on the football team.  Let’s hope they are close.