Justin Harper this summer glances down at the basketball court more than he ever has. As the University of Richmond rising sophomore plays pick-up games, he says he visualizes a 3-point arc a foot behind the one at the Robins Center.

That's where the 3-point line will be starting this coming season in men's college games at all levels, a modification made by the NCAA rules committee. The arc changes from 19-9 to the middle of the hoop, to 20-9.

"We all try to shoot from farther out whenever we can. You're going to have to adjust sooner or later," said Harper, a 6-9 forward from Meadowbrook High who hit 16 of 43 3-point attempts last season.

The women's college game keeps the 19-9 arc, first used during NCAA competition during the 1986-87 season.

The rules committee hopes the change reduces congestion in the lane area. The new arc, which must be a different color than the women's arc, is scheduled to be added next month at the Robins Center.

"I don't know if there's going to be a huge statistical hit in terms of two-point baskets, three-point baskets or field-goal percentages, but I think it will help subtly," UR coach Chris Mooney said. "I'm in favor of anything that allows more fluid movement on the floor. I think that's good for basketball."

The new arc could assist UR more than other teams because the Spiders operate out of a spread offense that heavily relies on spacing and cutting.

"We like to base our offense right at the 3-point line, so with an extra foot, we'll have more room for guys to drive," said UR rising junior guard Ryan Butler. "I think it will just open things up a little bit more."

Nationally, Division I 3-point percentages since the early '90s typically have been around 34.5. Richmond hit 35.2 percent last season. To guard David Gonzalvez, a rising junior who is UR's top 3-point shooter, the new arc will require no adjustment.

"I never looked at the line where it was, and I know I'm not going to look at it this year," he said. "I feel like if I have to look down at the line, then it's taking me out of my rhythm.

"So I'm just going to shoot from wherever I feel comfortable."