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Earlier this week, it was reported that the NCAA was considering four dates to start the 2020-21 college basketball season.
Now, it appears that basketball will return in either late November or early December, according to Jon Rothstein.
Sources: November 25th and December 4th have emerged as the two likeliest start dates to begin the 20-21 college basketball season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) August 27, 2020
Based on the earlier report dates being considered, here is what the fall schedule would look like in terms of report dates and the actual start date:
Option 1
- First practices allowed: Oct. 14
- First day of season: Nov. 25
Option 2
- First practices allowed: Oct. 24
- First day of season: Dec. 4
That means the 2020 Champions Classic — featuring Kentucky vs. Kansas — is in danger of being scrapped unless it’s rescheduled. It also means Kentucky’s home games vs. Detroit Mercy (Nov. 13), Hartford (Nov. 17), Georgia State (Nov. 20) and Richmond (Nov. 25)
Kentucky is actually scheduled to play Georgia Tech in the Holiday Hoopsgiving event in Atlanta (GA) on Nov. 27, so that could wind up being the opener. But my guess is if the season does start on Nov. 25 or later, the entire scheduled gets scrapped and re-done in the coming weeks and months.
As for the Champions Classic, Kentucky may have a way to still get that matchup with Kansas since they play in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. Kentucky played at Texas Tech last season.