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UNC Basketball: NCAA targets two start dates for college basketball

By Nick Delahanty

SOUTH BEND, IN - FEBRUARY 17: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels is seen during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on February 17, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - FEBRUARY 17: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels is seen during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on February 17, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Two possible dates have emerged as the most-likely start up dates for the 2020-2021 college basketball season. What does that mean for UNC?

Typically, the start of the college basketball season usually takes place at the beginning of November. Last season, the UNC Basketball program opened up the 2019-2020 campaign with a 76-65 conference victory over Notre Dame on November 6.

However, with the COVID-19 virus still impacting our world, the college basketball season is not expected to start on time.

The NCAA is currently exploring all options to ensure that not only the winter sports seasons are played, but are also done in the safest way possible. The goal is to keep all student-athletes, coaches, and personnel healthy throughout the process.

As we inch closer to the winter season, the start date of competition is up in the air. However, it appears that two dates have emerged as the most likely start dates to begin the 2020-2021 college basketball season.

According to CBS Sports Jon Rothstein, the NCAA is targeting November 25th and December 4th as two possible start dates. No official has been made, but it appears that these are the most logical dates at this point in the discussions.

How would a later start date impact the Tar Heels?

Let’s take a look at both potential start dates and compare them to the 2019-2020 season:

November 25: Prior to November 25, 2020, the Tar Heels played four official contests. Of those contests, only was against an ACC opponent (Notre Dame).

If November 25th ends up being the start date, it really wouldn’t have much of an impact on the Tar Heels. Sure, Roy Williams and crew would love to have some non-conference battles to get their new-look roster some experience, but it wouldn’t be that drastic of an impact on them overall.

December 4: This start date would impact the Tar Heels a little bit more.

If you look back to last season, the Tar Heels played eight contests up to this point. They competed in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, and also played Ohio State as part of the ACC/Big 10 Challenge.

The Tar Heels saw some good teams early on last season (such as Michigan and Ohio State). The tournament play allowed this opportunity, and they definitely serve as early-season tests for teams that have National Championship aspirations.

With regards to the 2020-2021 season, it is unlikely that teams will compete in early season tournaments or even have non-conference tilts. However, it’s likely that the NCAA will find a way to allow teams to play a somewhat normal schedule as they hopefully prepare for the March Madness tournament.

The next few weeks will be very telling as to how the 2020-2021 college basketball season will go. Whether it’s November 25th, December 4th or another date, it’s safe to say that everyone involved just wants to have as close to a full season as possible.

Next. UNC Basketball: Updated odds for Tar Heels to win it all. dark

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