COVID-19 has been taking a hit on basketball programs through the country, even before the season begins on Wednesday. Schools such as Baylor and Duke have already seen their opening games been canceled.
Luckily, Texas has yet to run into any of those problems recently. Head coach Shaka Smart said there were “some, not many” COVID-19 cases within the program back in September. There have been no reports of positive tests since then.
The Big 12 announced their policies for the upcoming season, saying if there are at least six scholarship players, the game will go on. For each team in the conference, there is a maximum of 13 players on the roster who are on scholarship. If someone has less than half of a squad capable of competing, the game will be postponed or canceled.
Unlike football, there are no requirements as to what positions they play. It does not matter if a majority of guards, forwards, or centers are out. Coaches will have to adjust based on what they have available.
Big 12 basketball guidelines say that as long as teams have six scholarship players, the game is on. Even if you have just F and C available, you're playing.
— Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) November 23, 2020
Leading up to Wednesday’s opener against the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, there have been no reports of the game possibly being postponed or canceled. Hopefully, it remains that way and the Longhorns are able to open up their run towards an NCAA Tournament.
Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.
Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Longhorns Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.