Here is some reaction from local administrators and coaches about the WIAA Representative Assembly’s approval of adding a shot clock for boys basketball.
“It’s a great deal. I think we should have had it a long time ago.”
“For players who go to the next level, they’ll be ready for it. And to honest with you, I don’t know how many players really think about it when they’re out there. They’re just playing.”
Jim Piccolo, WIAA District 1 director (voted in favor of the clock)
“By and large, I’m not too surprised that it passed because it’s been a conversation piece for many years, about whether or not (boys basketball) needed it. I think people are ready for the change.”
(For coaches who prefer a slow-it-down, ball-control style on offense) “obviously that’s going to change some of their strategizing because they’re not going to be able to hold the ball a minute or longer before they take a shot.”
Robert Polk, WIAA District 1 representative/Everett School District athletic director (voted in favor of the clock)
“Well, I guess it was going to happen at some point and time. I’m not really excited about it, but it will definitely change the way I approach the game.”
Darrell McNeal, Lynnwood High boys basketball coach
“I was mildly against it but since then I have watched a lot of NCAA tourney games and seen and thought about how the shot clock can present a lot of interesting end-of-game scenarios, so I’m kind of excited about it now. I think it might not be as significant of a change as some fear anyway.”
Steve Johnson, Jackson High boys basketball coach
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The time for the boys shot clock will be 35 seconds. The Representative Assembly just approved it by a vote of 47-5.
When I get a chance, I’ll get reactions from some of the voters and a few local coaches.
Pretty interesting. Now both boys and girls will have a shot clock in this state for basketball. The girls clock has been around since the 1970s and is 30 seconds.
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There WILL be a shot clock for high school boys basketball in Washington next season.
Athletic directors from around the state just voted 42-11 in favor of adding a shot clock for boys hoops. The vote took place here in Renton during the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Representative Assembly.
In a few minutes, the assembly will decide how much time will be on the shot clock: 30 seconds, 35 seconds or 45 seconds.
For some background on the boys shot clock proposal, check out this link: Shot clock for high school boys basketball?
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