Michigan Basketball: Big Ten Tournament cancelled, could the NCAA be next?

Michigan basketball players were warming up on the court, preparing for their third tussle with Rutgers when the news broke: The tournament was canceled.

In the midst of a pandemic, the Big Ten has decided that the annual conference tournament can no longer continue as the risk to student-athletes and others involved is too great, meaning Michigan basketball and other teams will not this week or anytime soon.

“The Big Ten Conference announced today that it will be canceling the remainder of the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, effective immediately,” the conference announced in a statement. “The Big Ten Conference will use this time to work with the appropriate medical experts and institutional leadership to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main priority of the Big Ten Conference continues to be the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans and media as we continue to monitor all developing and relevant information on the COVID-19 virus.”

Michigan basketball players were warming up on the court – without a soul in the stands – before the decision was made. They were preparing to take on Rutgers in their first game of the Tournament.

After an eventful night that saw Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg hospitalized with symptoms similar to the coronavirus and his players quarantined (it was just the regular flu), those in charge of the conference informed the public it was no longer welcome in the stadium. Only student-athletes, coaches, and others essential to the game would be admitted.

Less than 24 hours later, no one will be admitted.

Will the NCAA tournament be next?

It’s very likely. After a couple of basketball players tested positive for the virus, the NBA suspended all games for the immediate future. Other sports are already considering canceling or have already canceled events due to COVID-19.

Just yesterday, the University of Michigan terminated in-person classes in favor of an online format in an effort to contain the virus. That announcement came shortly after Governor Gretchen Witmer confirmed there are two cases of the illness within Michigan – one in Wayne County and the other in Oakland.

Here’s UM’s statement:

"We are canceling all classes tomorrow and Friday. Classes will resume Monday (March 16) delivered remotely in alternative formats – and not meeting in person – through April 21, the last day of classes this semester."

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.