Just because it’s the middle of the summer doesn’t mean you should be ignoring the college basketball world. A lot has happened over the past week, so let’s catch up with everything you need to know.
The Smart Choice
As they did in March, the Ivy League is leading the way in making a decision on sports during a pandemic. On Wednesday, a representative from the league informed the Associated Press that all fall sports have been canceled.
The Ivy League will not hold sporting events until at least Jan. 1. This will cancel the season for sports like football and soccer and also preclude the Ivy League’s basketball teams from playing non-conference games scheduled before Jan. 1.
There has been no decision whether the Ivy League will try to play fall sports in the spring. There is also no guarantee that basketball will return in 2021 if things don’t improve naturally.
Shut It Down
Earlier this week, Louisville became the latest college basketball program to suspend voluntary workouts after two players tested positive for COVID-19. Both players were asymptomatic and have been quarantined along with everyone who had contact with them.
Louisville’s voluntary workouts began on June 8, with July 20 being the date set by the NCAA for when required activities can begin.
So That’s Bad
Iowa State guard Rasir Bolton, who transferred to the Cyclones from Penn State last summer, has shared that he transferred because of an insensitive comment made by head coach Pat Chambers. Chambers has admitted and apologized for telling Bolton that he had a “noose” around his neck.
Bolton believes that the comment wasn’t a “slip of the tongue” based on his past experiences with his former head coach. He reported the comment to the athletic department, which referred him to a psychologist.
Bolton says he was ostracized by his teammates and never received an apology after confronting Chambers, both of which were factors in his decision to transfer. Chambers has since issued an apology on social media.
Big News
In a shocking move, five-star recruit Makur Maker passed on scholarship offers to programs like UCLA, Kentucky, and Memphis and made a verbal commitment to play college basketball at Howard.
“I need to make the HBCU movement real so that others will follow,” said Maker, who is the younger brother of NBA player Thon Maker. The 6-11 forward is considered a top-20 prospect with NBA talent, and his decision to attend an HBCU rather than a traditional basketball powerhouse could set a precedent for other top players.
Coming Back
Florida guard Tre Mann has withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft and will return to the Gators for his sophomore season. Mann averaged just 5.3 points per game last season while coming off the bench.
However, he’s now in a position to start for Florida after point guard Andrew Nembhard transferred to Gonzaga last month. Florida also returns Scottie Lewis and Ques Glover and will welcome Cleveland State transfer Tyree Appleby, giving them a backcourt that looks strong on paper heading into next season.
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