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If my math is correct, there are 33 days until college basketball season tips off. While nearly everything is a question mark schedule-wise, including the identity of the team’s first opponent, it is expected that your Georgetown Hoyas will play 25 games this season.
Is that normal? Actually, it’s not too far off.
“The maximum number of contests was reduced by four, given that the season will start 15 days later than originally scheduled. In men’s basketball, teams can schedule 24 regular-season games and participate in one multiple-team event that includes up to three games; 25 regular-season games and participate in one multiple-team event that includes up to two games; or 25 regular-season games if a team does not participate in a multiple-team event.”
That said, we know that teams will be undergoing regular testing and there will inevitably be cancellations or postponements of expected contests. What does that mean for postseason eligibility, if the Hoyas find themselves in contention for such a thing?
“Teams will meet sport sponsorship requirements and be considered for NCAA championship selection if they play 13 games, which represents a 50 percent reduction of the current minimum. For NCAA championship consideration, all 13 games must be against another Division I opponent. The Division I Men’s Basketball and Division I Women’s Basketball committees also recommended teams play a minimum of four nonconference games.
“The new season start date near the Thanksgiving holiday provides the optimal opportunity to successfully launch the basketball season,” said NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt. “It is a grand compromise of sorts and a unified approach that focuses on the health and safety of student-athletes competing towards the 2021 Division I basketball championships.” (Source.)
Reading between the lines, it seems like the NCAA is doing everything within its power to ensure that even if COVID precautions mean that a ton of games get scrapped, March Madness can happen.