Per CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, there are two coaches who have plans to propose to their conferences and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) a one-time exemption to allow seniors to return for another season of eligibility if they choose to due to the drastic circumstances that led to the cancellation of the NCAA tournaments.
Although the coaches remain anonymous in Norlander’s report, one coach may be Oklahoma State University’s Mike Boynton, who at least appears to support the idea of granting senior players an extra season of eligibility on their athletic scholarships.
Have heard from two coaches who said they are going to propose to their conferences and the NABC a one-time exemption to allow seniors to return for another season of eligibility if they so choose because of the drastic circumstances that led to the canceling of the NCAAT.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 12, 2020
Boynton told basketball insider Jeff Goodman that “if they want, [seniors] should have another year. Special permission on scholarship numbers for an unprecedented circumstance. Next year only.”
Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton:
“Seniors, if they want, should have another year. Special permission on scholarship numbers for an unprecedented circumstance. Next year only.”
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 12, 2020
Though the sentiment should be understood, there will be underlying dynamics at play in the situation. Not only will there be the issue of how incoming recruits, particularly the top high school prospects, will react to what could likely be fewer minutes and a diminished role by playing with seniors.
Further, recruits may choose to commit to other schools if particular seniors return so that they could have more opportunity.