The biggest question that hangs over the West Region of the 2021 NCAA tournament is not about the seeding, matchups, or strategies. No, it’s about availability.
Kansas and Virginia added a field of 68 on selection Sunday, earning the West’s No. 3 and No. 4 seeds, respectively. However, both teams are currently dealing with COVID-19 issues, which knocked them out of their conference tournament last week.
Will the Jayhawks and Cavaliers be eligible to play in this year’s tournament? Or will the NCAA have to include replacement teams in those teams before the first round begins?
Here we know about the COVID-19 conditions for Kansas and Virginia beginning March fast.
More: Get your printable March Madness bracket here
Why did Kansas and Virginia get involved in March Madness?
During an interview on ESPN’s “Bracketology” show, Kentucky’s athletic director and NCAA selection committee chairman Mitch Barnhart explained why the committee was comfortable, including the Jehawks and Cavaliers, despite the fact that they received positive COVID-19 tests after Had to withdraw from the conference tournament. .
Barnhart told ESPN’s Davis, “NCAA basketball staff kept in touch with the administration of those schools to ensure protocols were being carried out that would allow them to come to Indianapolis to participate.” “So, with that belief, we were able to work through the evaluation process and put them in the field.
“We are confident at this point that we are moving to tip off with a full field of 68 on Thursday.”
Barnhart said the approach will be different for each team, but NCAA staff will continue to work with Kansas and Virginia.
The deadline for the NCAA to choose a replacement team is Tuesday at 6 pm.
The First Four Teams Out, which will be on standby to replace any team with a multi-bid conference, will be forced to withdraw. pic.twitter.com/nHhv1IvEjQ
– March Madness TV (@MarchMadnessTV) March 14, 2021
Will Kansas play in the NCAA tournament?
- Date of first game: Saturday, March 20
- Time: 1:15 pm ET
- Site: Kisan Coliseum
- Rival: Number 14 eastern washington
Kansas coach Bill Self told reporters Sunday that the Xewarks are “good in size because we can move to Indianapolis on Monday.”
“We obviously had the situation the day after our Oklahoma game, so I think it was Friday morning, but everyone else has tested negative daily and sometimes more than once a day,” Swa said. “So, we’re going to Indy tomorrow with a healthy group. It’s just a small group.”
The Jayhawks are down three players as of Sunday. David McCormack and Tristan Enruna both tested positive before the Big 12 tournament, but could travel to Indianapolis later in the week. The third player who tested positive for COVID-19 has not been named and is not expected to play during the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament.
“We hope (until McCormack and AnaRuna come back), until something happens,” Sway said. “The one thing I’ve come to know through this is probably as much (() as anyone expects the unexpected. We’ll see. I’m not privy to commenting on specifics, but I’ll stick to everything you say. . “V said all along, that we look forward to having those people join us this week.”
Will Virginia play in the NCAA tournament?
- Date of first game: Saturday, March 20
- Time: 7:15 pm ET
- Site: assembly Hall
- Rival: Number 13 ohio
During his Sunday media availability, Virginia coach Tony Bennett said the majority of his team is “in contact and quarantine.” The Cavaliers plan to travel to Indianapolis with most of the team in quarantine by Friday.
“We continue to do daily tests. Our medical people, who are outstanding, are working with the NCAA to ensure every protocol is followed,” Beckett said. “That’s why our name was called. Time – It’s never a good time for this, and it’s not ideal. But if you’re going to do it, we can take it about the last day Which may be a positive case for you. “
Similar to Kansas, the unnamed Virginia player is not expected to be available during the opening weekend of the NCAA tournament. As Bennett said, the timeline is far from ideal, but the Cavaliers are happy that the committee selected him to field.
“It can be a situation where you practice here and you just go and play in the game,” Bennett said. “That stuff, I don’t know all the details yet. We’ll get into it. It’s a unique presentation, but we’ve got a chance.”
Leave a Reply