Wednesday was full of good news when it comes to the return of college sports. Not only is Big Ten football back, but college basketball now has a return date in site. According to the D-1 council, college basketball will be permitted to start on November 25, and will start with a number of early season tournaments.
D-1 Council: Start date of college basketball season: Nov. 25; Start of practice: Oct. 14; Max number of games: 27 (reduced by 4); Minimum number of games: 13; No scrimmages/exhibitions. Recommendation for minimum 4 non-conference. Video breakdown coming w/NCAA SVP Dan Gavitt.
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) September 16, 2020
With a slightly later start date than usual, the maximum amount of regular season games has been lowered from 31 to 27 for this season. Additionally, given the potential of COVID-19 outbreaks, the minimum amount of games played in order to be in NCAA Tournament consideration has been lowered from 25 to 13.
Teams will be cleared to start preseason practice on October 14.