Students react to the return of college basketball

The college basketball season started on November 25, 2020. Many fans of the sport were uncertain about how or when the start of college basketball would play out. After the cancellation of many conference tournaments and the NCAA March madness tournament last year, many fans were in shock. They wondered what the NCAA would do to bring college basketball back next season. There have been many regulations put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while allowing players to play in a safe environment. Fans are not allowed to be in the stadium and the bench seats are socially distanced so players can be as safe as possible. They also have staff that make sure arenas are clean and disinfected. Athletic training areas, treatment tables, stools, high-contact areas and equipment, must also be disinfected after every use. Even though there have been a lot of safety measures put in place. There have still been many problems during the start of the season. Due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in many areas, games are being cancelled or postponed. Although many games are getting cancelled, fans are still excited that most of college basketball is back.
“I am excited for the return of college basketball because I enjoy watching different schools compete against each other. I am also excited about March Madness.” sophomore basketball player Davida Raharinaivo said. March Madness is the biggest event in college basketball and the event gets the attention from various sports fans around the world.
This year’s college basketball season started way later in the year than it normally would. This was due to COVID-19 concerns and the NCAA trying to develop plans for college basketball to return safely.
“I think it is good that college basketball has returned because they [the NCAA] have been able to watch what other sports leagues have done during Covid and they are able to learn from what they did to keep the athletes safe,” junior Aris Hill said.
Another exciting aspect of college basketball is getting to watch players who dominated in high school get to show their skill on a college level.
“I am excited to watch Jahvon Quinerly and Josh Christopher,” Hill said. Josh Christopher was the 11th high school player in the country last year and there are many people who are looking forward to watching him play.
College basketball’s return has many uncertainties, but overall fans are just excited that college basketball is back again.