A positive test, subsequent quarantining, and contact tracing within the University of Virginia men’s basketball program has resulted in the cancellation of UVA’s ACC Tournament semifinal matchup with Georgia Tech, the Atlantic Coast Conference announced.
Virginia, the 2020-21 ACC Regular Season champions, advanced to the semifinals with a 72-69 buzzer-beating victory over Syracuse in quarterfinal action. Unfortunately for the Hoos, the win over the Orange may be their final game of the season.
According to the 2021 NCAA Tournament health and safety protocols released by the NCAA in January, all “Tier 1 travel party participants will be required to undergo and document seven consecutive negative COVID-19 tests prior to arrival into Indianapolis. Tier 1 participants include student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, medical staff, equipment staff and officials.”
Five healthy players are all that is needed for a team to participate in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, but contact tracing/quarantine protocols may keep UVA from being able to participate in Indiana next week.
Source to @CBSSports: Virginia player who has tested positive for COVID-19 played in Thursday's game vs. Syracuse.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 12, 2021
Virginia Director of Athletics Carla Williams and head coach Tony Bennett issued statements early Friday afternoon, expressing their disappointment but leaving a glimmer of hope for the possibility of playing in the NCAA Tournament.
Tony Bennett, Dean and Markel Families Head Men’s Basketball Coach
“We went from an exhilarating game-winning shot to beat Syracuse to a gut punch regarding the positive COVID-19 test within our program. I’m hurting for our players, especially our seniors. I told our young men they have every reason to be disappointed, but it is still very important how they choose to respond. We are exhausting all options to participate in the NCAA Tournament.”
Carla Williams, Virginia Director of Athletics
“This is incredibly disappointing for our players. They have done what has been asked of them in very challenging circumstances. It is unfortunate the ACC Tournament has concluded for us, but we have turned our attention to the NCAA Tournament. We are in communication with the appropriate officials regarding our participation.”
So disheartening for the seniors, Sam Hauser, Jay Huff, and Tomas Woldentensae.
Sadly, I guess it’s true that “what goes around, comes around”. So very sad in many ways.