MM 11.17: NCAA Tournament to be hosted in single city

The NCAA announced plans Monday to relocate the yearly March Madness tournament to a single isolated site. Preliminary talks are centered around the event taking place in a bubble in Indianapolis.

The decision was made by the NCAA’s Men’s Division I Basketball Committee, which is populated by athletic directors, conference commissioners, and other highly regarded executives in men’s Division I basketball.

The committee made its decision based on worries for players’ safety following a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My committee colleagues and I did not come lightly to the difficult decision to relocate the preliminary rounds of the 2021 tournament, as we understand the disappointment 13 communities will feel to miss out on being part of March Madness next year,” said Mitch Barnhart, chair of the committee and University of Kentucky athletics director, in an NCAA statement.

The committee came to a conclusion based on the success of multiple professional sports leagues’ isolation zones, such as the NBA’s bubble in Orlando.

“We have learned so much from monitoring other successful sporting events in the last several months, and it became clear it’s not feasible to manage this complex championship in so many different states with the challenges presented by the pandemic,” said Dan Gavitt, NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball. “However, we are developing a solid plan to present a safe, responsible and fantastic March Madness tournament unlike any other we’ve experienced.”

In Other News

Maryland released the nonconference schedules for the 2020-21 men’s basketball and women’s basketball seasons.

Mike wrote about Maryland football player Chase Campbell’s defensive leadership.

Maryland football did not practice Monday, but continued amplified testing as it works to try and play Michigan State on Saturday.

Maryland men’s basketball shared some love for junior Aaron Wiggins.

Maryland football showed off wide receiver Dontay Demus Jr’s highlight tape.

Maryland baseball posted some Monday motivation.

Maryland women’s lacrosse gave an inside look at their fall practice.