The only explanation we can offer for Dr. Allen’s model penman-.
ship is the Union Pacific was stalled for half an hour on a siding and

during the delay he busied himself at the writing desk. ~
: He writes:

_ “I want you to know how very much I appreciated your timely
comment on elevation of the basket to a height of 12 feet. (Not at
all, Doctor, glad to do it.)

“Of course, this would apply only to the college player. No change
is suggested for the high school teams.

-“QOregon’s Frankensteins showed the travesty of normal sized men
(Oklahoma) fighting against impossible altitudinous behemoths at the
Treasure Island tournament.

“It is proposed that a field goal count three points and a free
throw from the 20-foot line one point. A player accommodates the
muscles of his eyes and accessory muscles of the hands and fingers to
height as quickly as he does to distance, so height is no more of a
handicap than shooting a little farther out on the court would be,

“The new rule would be a decided aid to the official, if’ adopted,
because the two-shot foul when driving in for goals would be entirely
eliminated because there would be no incentive for drive-in layups,
~ the things that causes most misery for officials.

“Then, also, the three-second time rule in the lane would be out
as the shot would be more advantageously made from some distance
out. The back-up nudging play in in oe is so much grief on
fouling would be lessened.

[ CHANGE WOULD REDUCE INJURIES 7

“It would also reduce injuries under the backboard due to the
above-mentioned hard drive-ins, with pushing, etc. I have in mind
Bobby Moers of Texas, a victim of this situation.

“The rebound arc of disbursement would come out forther on the
court, loosening up the defense and allowing the offense to work
through a compact zone defense. It would eliminate much hipping
by big husky guards desiring to maintain their close position. under
and near the basket.

“Many people are asking, ‘Why not. an 11-foot basket instead of
@ 12-foot?? My answer is that soon there will be goons who will reach
an 11-foot basket as easily as they do the 10-footer, and then again,
a 12-foot hoop will cause the ball to rebound farther out on the court,
thereby clearing the area under the basket of massed players.

“Already the European and Asiatic nations whose athletes are
smaller men have complained of the exceptional height of American
basketball players in the Olympic Games. Basketball would be more
popular the world over if the hoop were elevated, thus giving nations
of shorter men an equal chance.

“By adopting a 12-foot basket the Basriniisadion that now exists
in favor of the giant of stature would be materially reduced and this
fine winter sport would become sounder, faster and more exciting.

“There are many more good reasons I have not time to write here.
It was good of you to print your comments. (’Twarn’t nothing,
Doctor).. Sincerely yours,

«““FORREST C. ALLEN,” Director of Physical Education, University
of Kansas.”

 

 

J. Donald Budge and Frederick John Perry are to do a pro oe (
Ca 160 Page 2H, Col. 4