NCAA Basketball Team COVID Tracker: Conference Tournament, Possible March Madness Withdrawals

NCAA Basketball COVID Tracker

We’ve already seen some of the biggest teams in college basketball withdraw from their conference tournaments — and have their NCAA Tournament chances hurt — because of COVID-19.

Duke was the first big name that had to withdraw from its conference tournament due to a positive test. Later, Virginia and Kansas followed.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like those will be the last.

Ahead of Selection Sunday, we’re keeping track of the teams impacted by COVID-19.

Teams will have a tough time clearing protocols ahead of the NCAA Tournament, which could create multiple withdrawals. But it won’t be impossible.

The NCAA communicates its Health and Safety Protocols as follows:

All Tier 1 travel party participants will be required to undergo and document seven consecutive negative COVID-19 tests prior to arrival into Indianapolis. The NCAA will work with IU Health to provide health related support including the administration of daily PCR tests for Tier 1 individuals upon arrival and throughout the tournament. Tier 1 participants include student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, medical staff, equipment staff and officials.

Teams can play as long as they have five players who have cleared safety protocols.

These decisions need to be made soon.

Teams must communicate whether they can meet medical protocols for a potential first-round game, which could take place anytime between March 18-20, by March 13.

Replacement teams can be entered into the tournament after the bracket is revealed if a team no longer meets protocol. Once the tournament starts, no replacement teams will be used.

Below are the teams impacted in conference tournaments and could face potential withdrawal from the NCAA Tournament.

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Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas was forced out of the Big 12 Tournament the day of the semi-finals against Texas. A player tested positive for COVID-19. The Longhorns moved on to the title game automatically.

Oklahoma Sooners

The Sooners could be facing a close contact scenario after their game against Kansas. According to CBS Sports, the Kansas player who tested positive for the virus played in the game against Oklahoma.

Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia is out of the ACC Tournament ahead of its semi-final matchup against Georgia Tech due to a positive test.

Duke Blue Devils

Mike Krzyzewski’s team needed to win the conference tournament to make the NCAA Tournament, but that chance was lost due to a positive COVID-19 test. Duke won its first two games of the tournament before its exit.