• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Spun

What's trending in the sports world today.

  • NFL
  • College Football
  • NBA
  • College Hoops
  • Interviews
  • About

Search The Spun ...

Close

February 25, 2021 @ 2:45pm » Matt Hladik

NCAA Tournament Reveals How It’ll Handle Teams Dropping Out

NCAA Tournament First Four college basketball games in DaytonDAYTON, OH - MARCH 15: Rashaun Madison #3 of the North Carolina Central Eagles dribbles the ball in the first half against the UC Davis Aggies during the First Four game in the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 15, 2017 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

With Selection Sunday just over two weeks away, the NCAA has announced contingency plans in case a team can not participate in the NCAA Tournament due to COVID-19.

The guidelines the NCAA announced will be followed for both the men’s and women’s tournaments. There are separate policies for if/when a team has to withdraw, one before the bracket is set and one for afterwards.

No replacement teams will be admitted into the field beyond 48 hours after the bracket is announced. Two other major points of emphasis from the NCAA are below.

  • Once the bracket is finalized and released, teams will not be reseeded, nor will the bracket change.
  • Reasonable efforts will be made to ensure a full field is in place before the start of the championship. No replacement teams will be introduced after the championship begins.

NEWS: NCAA announces initial contingency plans for what it will do if a team is unable to play in the NCAAs due to COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/MQ45PeYrOL

— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) February 25, 2021

According to longtime Kentucky writer Jerry Tipton, the “first four out” teams will be ranked 1-4 and designated as possible replacement teams in case a team drops out before the tournament gets underway.

The last four teams not selected as at-large teams for the original field of 68 shall be designated as replacement teams. Those teams will be ranked 1 through 4. A replacement team would be placed in the same position in the bracket as the team not able to play because of COVID.

— Jerry Tipton (@JerryTipton) February 25, 2021

Interestingly, there is still no clear indication of what will have to happen for a team to withdraw from the event. One positive COVID-19 test likely won’t do it, but it’s unclear how big the issues would have to get for a team to be unable to compete.

Here’s hoping it doesn’t come to that anyway.


Filed Under: College Hoops, Top Stories

About Matt Hladik

Matt is an Editor at The Spun Media.

Primary Sidebar

Search The Spun Here

What’s Trending

  • Richard Jefferson Shares Honest Thoughts On Arizona’s Hire
  • Raiders Reportedly Release 2 Picks From 2018 NFL Draft
  • NCAA Makes Big Announcement About Division I Transfer Rule
  • Anonymous 49ers Rival Has Telling Comment On Mac Jones
  • Ty Lue Updates The Clippers’ Plan For DeMarcus Cousins
  • More Trending

    Wes Welker running with the football for the Patriots.

    The 10 Biggest NFL Superstars To Go Undrafted

    The Masters - Round One

    Fans Are Furious Over Controversial Ruling During 1st Round At The Masters

    More Trending

  • Richard Jefferson Shares Honest Thoughts On Arizona’s Hire
  • Raiders Reportedly Release 2 Picks From 2018 NFL Draft
  • NCAA Makes Big Announcement About Division I Transfer Rule
  • Anonymous 49ers Rival Has Telling Comment On Mac Jones
  • Ty Lue Updates The Clippers’ Plan For DeMarcus Cousins
  • No. 1 TE Recruit In 2022 Class Announces Commitment
  • Cleveland Browns Make Decision On Voluntary Workouts
  • Surprise Team Makes Appearance On ESPN’s CFB Playoff Projection
  • Sign Up For Our Emails

    • Privacy Policy / Terms Of Use
    • Coverage By Team

    Copyright © 2021 The Spun · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc.

    • NFL
    • College Football
    • NBA
    • College Hoops
    • Interviews
    • About
    • Search
    • Privacy Policy / Terms Of Use
    • Coverage By Team
    • April 16, 2021
    • 7 mins ago
      Keyshawn Johnson Unveils His 2021 QB Draft Rankings
    • 16 mins ago
      Lane Kiffin Reacts To Video Of An Unhappy Nick Saban
    • 34 mins ago
      Rams Coach Sean McVay Raves About New QB Matthew Stafford
    • 35 mins ago
      Chris Carson Shares What Russell Wilson Said To Him During Free Agency
    • 49 mins ago
      Look: Nick Saban Not Happy With Reporter’s Question This Week
    • 12 hours ago
      Charles Barkley Has Blunt Message For 1 NBA Team
    • 12 hours ago
      Gregg Popovich Reacts To LaMarcus Aldridge Retirement
    • 12 hours ago
      Ryan Day Makes It Clear 1 Thing Won’t Happen At Ohio State Spring Game
    • 13 hours ago
      Lakers Coach Frank Vogel Offers Promising Update On Anthony Davis
    • 13 hours ago
      5-Time Pro Bowler Has Blunt Comment About Jets’ Handling Of Sam Darnold
    • 14 hours ago
      Charles Barkley’s Comment About Atlanta Hawks Is Going Viral
    • 14 hours ago
      LaMarcus Aldridge Tweets Message After Retirement Announcement