The NBA season, as well as every other sports schedule, has been put on pause until further notice as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. As it stands, NBA action will be suspended until at least April 12th, 30 days after commissioner Adam Silver made the original announcement, but there's a growing belief that the game will be sidelined for much longer than that.
If and when the games resume, the league will surely have to present a revised schedule so that the playoffs don't drag out deep into the summer. One idea, posed by Brooklyn Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, is to hold a league-wide March Madness-like tournament.
Under Dinwiddie's format, every team in the league would essentially be awarded a spot in the playoffs. The top four seeds, the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers, would all receive first-round byes.
Meanwhile, the bottom for teams, the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors, would be matched up in a pair of best-of-three series' with the winners moving on into the first round bracket. The 24-team first round would utilize a best-of-five format, and then the typical seven-game series would resume once the field is narrowed down to the final 16.
Who knows if the NBA will actually consider such a radical change to their playoff format but it's certainly an intriguing option to discuss.
NCAA Makes Shocking March Madness Announcement
Basketball fans were hoping for the best.
Now, it's common knowledge that the NBA has suspended its season due to the Coronavirus and the risk it poses to both fans and players around the world. In the aftermath of this decision, leagues like the MLS, NHL, and even MLB have decided to suspend their seasons until further notice. It's a shocking development that has many sports fans worried about the future. However, it's important to note that all of these measures are being made for the greater good of the world.
Over the past few days, there have been debates about what the NCAA should do in regards to their March Madness tournament. At first, it was reported that the games would go on as planned but with no fans in the building. Today, the NCAA followed in the footsteps of the NBA and decided to cancel the tournament altogether.
As you can imagine, fans on social media were absolutely devastated by the news. However, for the most part, fans realize that this is a matter of life and death and that the NCAA needed to do something proactive. Limiting social gatherings can help stop the spread of the disease and this is a step in the right direction.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as we will be sure to bring them to you.
Charles Barkley Calls For NCAA To Cancel March Madness
Charles Barkley calls on NCAA to cancel the tournament: "I think we're gonna have to shut down March Madness until we know more."
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley thinks the NCAA needs to cancel the annual March Madness basketball tournaments altogether as a result of the COVID-19 (aka coronavirus) outbreak. The NCAA announced on Wednesday night that both the men's and women's tournaments will be played without fans in attendance, but Barkley thinks they need to take things a step further.
During a call to ESPN's "Get Up" on Thursday morning, Chuck explained, "I'm gonna say this and I'm probably gonna get in trouble because I work for Turner and March Madness and CBS... Turner Sports and CBS need to close down March Madness, man."
Barkley continued:
"Even if there's no fans in the stadium, you can't have these players breathing on each other for 2 weeks, even if they stay at a hotel, they're going to be at different cities around the country."
"I hate to say it and I probably shouldn't say it because I work for CBS, but I think we're gonna have to shut down March Madness until we know more."
"I know these kids want to play. Think about it, these kids are sweating, breathing, leaning on each other ... that's crazy! Even if you lose, you go back home, you don't know if you've got the virus for a week or two."
The NCAA has not yet announced a definitive plan for the tournament, and as of now the conference tournaments are still scheduled to take place as planned. However, with the NBA suspending their season, it's tough to envision a scenario where the NCAA allows college players, coaches and staff to continue playing, and travelling, throughout the country.
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
NCAA Tournament To Be Held Without Fans Due To Coronavirus
NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments will be held without any fans in attendance this year as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments will be held without any fans in attendance this year, due to the COVID-19 (aka coronavirus) outbreak. NCAA President Mark Emmert announced the decision on Wednesday afternoon, right in the middle of the ongoing conference tournaments, many of which are still being played in full arenas.
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
According to the press release, the only people allowed on tournament sites will be the players and coaches, essential staff and a limited amount of family members. The NCAA's official statement reads:
"The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance. While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States.
This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed."
The official brackets for the men's tournament will be unveiled on Sunday night. Typically, the top seeds are placed in regions nearby their school, giving those teams a home court advantage in the opening rounds - but there will be no such advantages this year as all games will essentially be played on an eerily quiet neutral floor.
Nike Dunk Low "Kentucky" Officially Unveiled: Release Details
These are going to be the perfect kicks for March Madness.
March is finally here which means in just a couple of short weeks, the NCAA basketball March Madness tournament will be here. Fans are excited about the event as it will bring together some of the best young basketball players in the entire world. There are a few teams who are always mainstays in the tournament, including the Kentucky Wildcats who are coached by none other than John Calipari. Recently, Calipari has been showing off some brand new footwear, including the Nike Dunk Low “Kentucky.”
This past week, the official images for the shoe were revealed and if you’re a Wildcats fan, these are a must cop. As you can see, the base of the sneaker is white while a gorgeous shade of blue makes its way throughout the overlays. While there is no Wildcats branding, these are unmistakably “Kentucky.”
According to Sole Collector, these kicks will be dropping on Saturday, March 14th for $100 USD. These will be sold through the Nike SNKRS App so prepare to take some Ls if you’re looking to cop. In the meantime, let us know what you think in the comments, below.
Image Nike
Image Nike
Image Nike
Image Nike
Image Nike
NCAA Pressured To Host Fan-Less March Madness Due To Coronavirus
Some believe the Coronavirus will make the tournament an unsafe environment for fans.
Coronavirus is perhaps one of the biggest viruses of our time when it comes to the rate of transmission and the potential for an epidemic. While there is still a lot we don’t know about the virus, people are still extremely scared about the possibility of catching it. This mass hysteria has led to flight cancelations, store closures, and even the collapse of the stock market. Now, sporting events could be affected. There have been talks about canceling the Olympics in Tokyo this summer and now, some want to see changes to the NCAA basketball March Madness tournament.
According to TMZ, the National College Players Association recently released a statement demanding the NCAA hold the March Madness tournament without any people in the stands. The organization believes that students and spectators could be at risk throughout the tournament and that no audience would make things a lot safer.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
“In the wake of the emerging Coronavirus pandemic, the NCAA and its colleges should take precautions to protect college athletes,” the NCPA said. The NCAA recently responded to the statement saying they are taking every single precaution necessary and for now, the tournament will go on as planned.
Stay tuned for updates on this situation as we will be sure to bring them to you.
Air Jordan 1 Mid Receives March Madness-Friendly Makeover: Photos
March Madness is right around the corner and some orange could be brought to the festivities.
While it’s not as popular as the High OG, there is something to be said about just how good the Air Jordan 1 Mid looks. The sneaker works with almost every outfit and it just so happens to be a more cost-efficient alternative to the aforementioned High OG. With that being said, Jordan Brand has delivered various Mid colorways over the years and with March Madness right around the corner, they are adding yet another.
While this isn’t an official March Madness colorway, it could certainly pass for one based on the color blocking. The toe box, side panels, and back heel are white while the overlays are grey. Meanwhile, the Nike swoosh and cuff are orange. When you put these colors together, the shoe resembles a PE for either the Texas Longhorns or Syracuse Orange.
According to Sneaker News, you can expect these kicks to drop at some point within the next few weeks. If you want to get decked out in time for March Madness, you may want to think about scooping these up. Let us know in the comments below what you think and whether or not you plan on copping.