COLOMBIA – It was a risk to try to play basketball in the midst of a pandemic that only got worse in the winter months. But the NCAA, guided by football protocols, thought it could work.
South Carolina would like a word.
Both Gamecocks basketball programs are paused due to positive COVID tests and contact tracking protocol, preventing at least two games. The five women were chosen to host Georgia on Thursday, while the men would play at Ole Miss on Saturday.
The future, immediately including a women’s game at No. 10 Kentucky on Sunday and men hosting No. 9 Tennessee on Tuesday, is extremely cloudy as well. It’s the first break for women, but the third for men, who just went through a month-long break last week.
“I don’t even know what else to say to my players,” said dejected coach Frank Martin on his radio show on Thursday. The Gamecocks easily beat Texas A&M on Wednesday at its SEC opening, but are now back in limbo.
“It’s not a game day, but we wake up alive and in good health!” Staley tweeted shortly after the announcement. “Thank you for your thoughts and prayers !!”
Following the protocol, the positive case will be isolated and that person’s roommates (if he is a player) will also be quarantined. The entire team, support team and any potential contract trackers will be tested.
If no other tests are positive, Gamecocks can proceed with their next games. But if anything else comes up, especially among players, the USC has a list of 11 women and 11 men, who were four in full health on Wednesday and may now be thinner.
USC has had two games postponed this season, each because of the other team. This will be the sixth game that men have affected, all because of the positives in their program.
Follow David Cloninger on Twitter @DCPandC.