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New proposal could result in college basketball season starting earlier
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NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt has presented a proposal to conference commissioners that would allow the 2020-21 college basketball season to begin earlier than scheduled. Gavitt told Sports Illustrated on Monday of his idea.
According to Gavitt, his proposal would allow the college basketball season to begin two weeks earlier than it’s currently scheduled. That would mean games could begin as early as Oct. 27. Currently, season-opening contests are set for Nov. 10.
Gavitt’s reason behind the proposal is due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He believes there could be an interruption to the basketball season due to the virus, as well as schools having extended breaks during the winter.
“It has some utility, adds some flexibility and options with the (academic) calendar changing, which could affect the break period,” Gavitt said.
Gavitt says it’s “almost a certainty” that basketball games in December and January will be canceled due to the pandemic.
The latest proposal is another sign that the college sports landscape will likely look much different during the upcoming academic year than we’re accustomed to seeing.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB