The Ultimate NCAA and NBA Basketball Schedule Guide 2023-2024

NCAA Season Tournaments Schedule at a Glance

2023-24 NCAA Men's Basketball: New Rules, New Dynamics

The air is charged with anticipation as the 2023-24 NCAA Division I men's basketball season is set to tip off. From the opening games on November 6 to the climax at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale with the championship game on April 8, 2024, schools are gearing up for a season of thrills, high stakes, and the unexpected.

Game-Changing Rules on the Horizon

The NCAA isn't just about maintaining tradition; it's about refining the game. On May 5, the NCAA Basketball Rules Committee unveiled a list of rule changes set to take effect this season, injecting new dynamics into the sport we love. Here's the rundown:

• Defenders can now draw a charge near the basket only if they're in position before the shooter plants his foot for a jump.
• Teams can feed prerecorded or live video to the bench during games, a rule that's moved from experimental to permanent status.
• Referees can now double-check basket interference or goaltending calls during the next media timeout, ensuring no points are left hanging.
• Non-student personnel can act as peacekeepers during on-court altercations, keeping the heat of the moment from boiling over.
• Coaches risk a timeout if they unsuccessfully challenge an out-of-bounds play in the final two minutes.
• The shot clock gets a reset to 20 seconds after an offensive rebound, keeping the game fast-paced and heart rates up.
• Players wrongfully penalized because of an opponent's flagrant foul? Justice will be served with the foul rescinded.
• A timeout can now be called by a player in mid-air possession, bringing new strategy to those nail-biting final seconds.
• Three strikes and you’re out! Players will be disqualified after committing three flagrant 1 fouls, regardless of total fouls.
• Backboards will get an upgrade with red and amber lights, making shot clock violations clearer and games fairer.
• Religious headwear that's game-safe no longer requires a waiver, respecting players' beliefs on the court.
• Jersey numbers are now as unrestricted as the players, with all digits from 0–99 in play.
• Conferences can continue experimenting with media timeouts in the second half, potentially reducing game interruptions.
• Keep an eye on the 2024 NIT, where the free-throw lane might just get a stretch to 16 feet, pending board approval.

With these changes, the NCAA continues to balance tradition with innovation. As teams hit the court this season, it's not just about who's got the best game. It's about who's best adapted to the new rules of the game.

NCAA Early Season Tournaments Schedule