Scott Howard-Cooper of the Sacramento Bee writes that the NBA is considering changes to the goaltend rules as part of a trend on the part of the league and FIBA to adopt uniform rules for basketball.

This could be an important day in Phoenix, where the competition committee is meeting as part of All-Star weekend. Among the likely topics, The Bee has learned, is a major change to the goaltending rule that would allow the ball to be hit anytime after it has hit the rim, meaning it could be knocked away even if it's on the rim or over the cylinder. Goaltending would still be called for a shot on a downward trajectory or coming off the backboard.

Morehere.

I'm for the goaltend rule change at first glance. Sounds like it would increase activity at the rim and eliminate a call that is often difficult for refs to make accurately. FIBA, in turn, is considering moving their three-point arc from 20' 9.25" out to the NBA's 23.9' and changing their trapezoid lane to the NBA rectangle.

A couple of other major differences between the two leagues: NBA quarters are 12 minutes, FIBA quarters are 10 minutes; and some game clock and shot clock differences.

Oh yeah, and this:

Here's a sitethat lists rule differences between the NBA, FIBA, WNBA, and NCAA men's and women's basketball.

The rule changes should eliminate the adjustment problem NBA players have when they play in international competition, but I am disappointed that we won't be seeing the trapezoid lane.