Arizona Basketball: Could bubble system work for NCAA basketball?

With the Arizona Basketball season likely postponed until January, would a bubble system make sense for the NCAA to use in case Covid is still rampant?

With the Corona Virus pandemic still rocking our daily lives, Arizona Athletics and in particular Arizona Basketball have surely felt the effects, especially as all the fall seasons have been postponed.

If Arizona still hopes to have any seasons this year, even with the pandemic still rampant, it is important to find alternative solutions. Well, as we’ve seen in both the NBA and NHL thus far, the bubble has been a tremendous success, but would it work for College Basketball?

Arizona Wildcats

With the model seemingly working  right in front of our eyes, over the past few weeks of the NBA , NHL bubble there has been ZERO positive tests!

With it being so successful thus far, the NCAA would be foolish to not at least consider a bubble for college basketball.

Now keep in mind that it also takes players buying into the guidelines put forth by the league, and adhering to the strict no contact rules (except for the games of course).

You could have college basketball play in more secluded and designated locations, while not allowing players to be able to leave unless the situation called for it. Also, family and friends wouldn’t be allowed in to reduce the risk of the virus getting inside the bubble and spreading.

In the case of Pac-12 basketball, the Arizona Wildcats could perhaps have their bubble in Las Vegas just like when the conference tournament rolls around. This though would be an extended stay, as they will most likely be there for the regular season and post-season. Only move would be to the NCAA Tournament bubble if and when the Cats get there.

With the transition to online classes for the University of Arizona, it would be difficult for the student athletes to keep up with their classes back in Tucson. Seniors could still be able to graduate on time.

The NCAA and Pac-12 could also get creative with schedules by having teams play all day long just like they do in the NCAA tournament. By doing this it will create a buzz around college basketball, along with the possibility of shorting the season by teams having less time off. Additionally, there would be no need for travel accommodations.

There is also a major plus for all the Universities as they will have more room on campus in terms of gym time. This will allow for other inside sports such as volleyball, gymnastics to try to fit in their season also, that is if their seasons are to remain on campus.

With the postponement of Pac-12 football and millions of dollars soon to be lost, the Pac-12 can ill afford to fumble this opportunity away. While they may not get all the lost revenue, some would certainly be better than none.

It might take some work as all conferences and teams would have to buy in, and it would also mean the elimination of non-conference games. Sorry Zona fans, we don’t get a shot at redemption with teams like Gonzaga this year.

Hang in there though, we will get through this ridiculous time in life and hopefully come out better than before! As always Wildcat fans, Bear Down!