Shot clocks could be coming soon to Texas high school basketball. Obstacles remain
Are shot clocks coming to Texas high school basketball games?
The majority of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches has called for their implementation. The decision, however, won’t be up to them.
University Interscholastic League Deputy Director Jamey Harrison said shot clocks could be in Texas’ future, depending on a survey that will be sent out to UIL member school superintendents “later this semester.”
“And we’ll see what the results of that survey say,” Harrison said. “That’s pretty much the last step to deciding yes, we’re going to do it. Or no, we’re not — it’s what our school leaders tell us.”
The change will only be made if schools are willing and able to handle the financial burden, which can be heavy.
Patrick Carr of the Ogden Standard Examiner reported that shot clocks cost “anywhere between $3,500-$6,000.”
Some schools can easily handle the addition of shot clocks, while others will struggle to allocate the resources. Not every school has the luxury of a dedicated and/or well-funded booster club.
If league-wide shot clocks are implemented, all UIL schools must face that financial burden to comply with regulations. The financial burdens don’t stop with purchasing the equipment, too.
It will take time and money to install the clocks. During games, many schools will need to pay a shot clock operator or find a willing volunteer.
Smaller schools that have less athletic funding may struggle to comply with the demands. According to TABC survey results from 2023, only 42% of Class 1A boys coaches support the addition compared to 86% of Class 6A coaches.
With both boys’ and girls’ basketball, support increases as classifications rise. With each classification jump, the percentage of coaches in favor grows.
One option for the UIL is shot clock usage based on classification. It’s not a perfect statewide solution, but it will support the development of Texas’ premier basketball prospects.
Without a shot clock, UIL Texas basketball is falling behind other states and leagues.
Texas’ Southwest Preparatory Conference has used a shot clock for three seasons. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, 27 states are using them.
If the decision is made to implement shot clocks, it will take time to train, install and ensure all schools involved meet regulations.
A four-year implementation timeline is a realistic option, and it could happen as fast as the 2027 or 2028 seasons. If the decision is made, the UIL will start to have a better understanding of implementation timelines.
If used, the NFHS requires a 35-second shot clock. The NCAA utilizes a 30-second shot clock, while the NBA uses a 24-second shot clock.
The main argument for the use of shot clocks circles around development. While in a game with an improved pace, high school athletes in Texas will receive valuable experience in a game more similar to the collegiate and professional levels.
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