Mark Pope is never shy about his ideas, and now he’s got his eye on the NCAA rulebook.
Appearing on The Sideline with Andy Katz, Kentucky’s head coach shared two changes he’d like to see in men’s college basketball — one that feels inevitable, and another that could drastically reshape the end of close games.
1. From halves to quarters
Men’s college basketball is the last major version of the sport still playing two 20-minute halves. The women’s game moved to four quarters in 2015. FIBA, the NBA, and even high schools all use quarters. So why haven’t the men followed suit?
Pope pointed it out bluntly:
“(Men’s college basketball is) the only...not even the women...we’re the only remaining basketball entity that has halves.”
The NCAA argues that halves allow for better game flow. Others point to tradition — after all, Dr. James Naismith, the sport’s inventor, originally envisioned two 15-minute halves.
But there are real reasons to modernize:
- Better pacing with natural breaks.
- Foul resets each quarter, avoiding drawn-out foul fests.
- TV-friendly structure that aligns with other basketball broadcasts.
It might not be a revolutionary change, but it could make the game smoother for players and more digestible for viewers.
2. Advance the ball after timeouts
This is where things get spicy.
“The change that I would really like to make, that I’d be super excited about? I’d like to be able to advance the ball out of timeouts,” Pope said.
It’s an NBA-style rule — when a team calls a timeout late in the game, they can inbound from the frontcourt rather than full-court.
Supporters say it makes end-of-game situations more exciting and gives teams a shot at drawing up elite-level plays with seconds remaining. Instead of a wild heave, you might get a clean corner three or a well-timed alley-oop.
But not everyone’s on board. Including...me.
Personally, I like the current college rule better. It forces more skill and coaching under pressure. Teams have to inbound, navigate a press, and make something happen. That’s basketball. That’s drama. It may be harder — but it rewards preparation, not just playbook trickery. I mean the 95 Edney shot is one of the best moments of the tournament, advance the ball and that's gone.
Bonus: What about 6 fouls?
If we’re talking changes, here’s one that should already be in place: give players six fouls, like in the NBA.
Between inconsistent officiating and physical play, five fouls can end a key player’s night too early. An extra foul gives wiggle room and keeps stars on the floor — especially in the high-stakes madness of March.
What rule would you change?
Should men’s college basketball ditch halves for quarters? Should teams advance the ball out of timeouts like the pros? Or maybe it’s time to give players six fouls?
Mark Pope is just one voice in the conversation, but his ideas are sparking the kind of debate college hoops needs. The game is great — but that doesn’t mean it can’t evolve.
What say you, Big Blue Nation? Which rule change would you make? Let us know on X and Facebook