Report: Head basketball coach of Indiana's first opponent tests positive for COVID-19
Indiana is getting set to tip off the basketball season Wednesday evening, but that team is dealing with a positive test as of Monday evening.
According to Zach Osterman with the Indy Star, John Pelphrey, head coach at Tennessee Tech, has tested positive for COVID-19. That means he will be unavailable for the contest with assistant Marcus King handling the head-coaching duties.
For now, Osterman is reporting that the game is still a go. Tennessee Tech was a late addition to Indiana’s schedule but was able and willing to try and pull off the trip to Bloomington.
Can confirm @HoosierHills report: Tennessee Tech coach John Pelphrey has tested positive for COVID-19. Assistant Marcus King will handle head-coaching duties.
Per IU spokesman, Wednesday's game remains on schedule. Golden Eagles leave for Bloomington in the morning. #iubb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) November 24, 2020
It should be noted that testing ahead of the game will follow a slightly different model since it is a non-conference showdown. According to Osterman, both teams will test on Tuesday – the day before the game – and on Wednesday prior to the game. Any positive must be confirmed by a PCR test.
That's per IU. So there you go. #iubb
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) November 23, 2020
It’s worth noting that Ohio State is following a similar testing method for its non-conference games, and head coach Chris Holtmann has said that a single positive test – on either team – would result in cancellation.
Hopefully Tennessee Tech is able to make the trip with the season getting underway without any issues. The scheduled tipoff is for Wednesday evening at 8 pm EST on BTN.