PROVO — A week ago, BYU forward Yoeli Childs was asked about the spread of COVID-19 and the possibility of arenas being empty for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
“It’s not anything we can control. We’ll do all we can to take care of our bodies, eat right, wash our hands,” he said. “Whatever the big guys decide to do, we’re with it. If there are no fans out there or 10,000 BYU fans out there, we’re ready either way and we’re excited.”
That possibility of empty arenas became a reality Wednesday, when NCAA President Mark Emmert announced that the immensely popular tournament — which tips off next week — will be played “with only essential staff and limited family attendance.”
This decision will affect fans from Utah State, which earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, and almost certainly BYU, which is ranked No. 14 in the country.
Based on developments Wednesday night, the NCAA Tournament could be in jeopardy of being canceled.
The NBA season has been suspended after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.
“The NBA announced that a player on the Utah Jazz has preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19,” the league said in an announcement. “The test result was reported shortly prior to the tip-off of tonight’s game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. At that time, tonight’s game was canceled. The affected player was not in the arena.
“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”
Acknowledging “how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports,” Emmert said his decision was prompted by “the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States.”
“This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes,” Emmert said in the statement delivered via Twitter. “We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed.”
Former BYU star Kevin Nixon, who has played in the NCAA Tournament, is the father of current Cougar player Dalton Nixon. Kevin Nixon is grateful that he will be able to attend the NCAAs as a family member, but he hurts for those who can’t.
“It’s really weird. Having played in the NCAA Tournament and having gone since then quite a few times and planning on going with your son, to be so excited for it,” he said. “You’re excited for it but you don’t know how to feel about it. I’m trying to imagine going to an NCAA Tournament game with a couple hundred people.
“I’m feeling genuine sadness for extended family and friends that were going to go. We’ve talked about it for a long time,” Nixon added. “People have done the same thing I’ve done and bought flights and booked hotels. I’m super sad for them because they’ve looked forward to it for a long time, too. The NCAA Tournament is the reward for everybody. Everyone that’s part of the program deserves that experience. There’s people saying, I have tickets to the Final Four or the Sweet 16. What do I do?”
The Utah State men’s basketball team received an automatic bid to the tournament with Saturday’s 59-56 win over No. 5 San Diego State in the Mountain West Conference championship game. BYU, which lost in the West Coast Conference semifinals to Saint Mary’s on Monday, has a strong tournament resume and is likely to receive an at-large bid.
Although the Aggies’ NCAA Tournament games will be affected, the school said in a statement after the NCAA’s announcement that “Utah State University and USU Athletics are closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak. We are continually getting updates as it relates to our spring sports competition, out-of-season practices, and upcoming home and away athletic events. As of today, we have not placed any restrictions on athletic competitions.”
This story will be updated.