Jimmy V Classic latest high-profile college hoops event impacted by COVID after Tennessee withdraws
By ADAM ZAGORIA
The Jimmy V Classic is the latest high-profile college basketball event to be impacted by COVID-19 after Tennessee pulled out after pausing all team activities following multiple positive tests within the program, including coach Rick Barnes.
The No. 12 Vols were slated to face No. 1 Gonzaga in the Dec. 2 event in Indianapolis. A source close to the situation said no replacement has yet been found for Tennessee.
No. 2 Baylor will still play No. 8 Illinois in the other game of the event, Baylor coach Scott Drew said Tuesday.
Baylor was forced to cancel three games to start its season after Drew tested positive, including two games this week at the Empire Classic and Sunday’s game at Seton Hall.
Rhode Island replaces Baylor in the Empire Classic and will face No. 18 Arizona State in one game Wednesday, with No. 3 Villanova meeting Boston College in the other game. The event continues Thursday.
“This is like trying to go through a car wash without getting wet,” ESPN’s Jay Bilas said on air from the Mohegan Sun Arena, home of “Bubbleville.” “It’s going to be disruption after disruption.”
Coach David Cox And @RhodyMBB riding to the rescue to fill Baylor’s spot pic.twitter.com/J9atwLyPCU
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) November 23, 2020
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