STrib: Whalen Would Prefer B1G Only Schedule

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Lindsay Whalen would prefer Big Ten opponents only for Gophers women's basketball

The Gophers, who finished 16-15 last season in Lindsay Whalen's second year as coach, have not released their nonconference schedule this year.

www.startribune.com

Marcus Fuller:

If it were her decision, Gophers women’s basketball coach Lindsay Whalen would have the Big Ten play a conference-only schedule this season because of COVID-19 concerns.

Last month, the Big Ten announced its fall sports schedules would be conference-only before postponing all competition indefinitely last week. Another decision will come soon for winter sports.

“It makes the most sense as far as being able to get in as many games as possible,” Whalen said Monday. “We’re about the safety and health of the players and the staff.

“We all have the same protocols in the Big Ten. ... When you get out of the conference in a year like this, to me, there are just too many questions as to what each team and what each conference is doing.”

 

[Ignatius L Hoops]

NCAA prepared to move basketball start date

The NCAA plans to make a decision on the start of the college basketball season by mid-September.

www.espn.com

The NCAA is prepared to shift the Nov. 10 start date for college basketball if necessary, according to a statement released Monday by Dan Gavitt, senior vice president of basketball.

By mid-September, the governing body will announce its first crucial decision about the upcoming season. Per NCAA rules, full practices can start 42 days before a team's first game. In the statement, Gavitt said "contingency" plans have been developed that will allow the NCAA to move the start date for practices and games if necessary due to the coronavirus pandemic.