It became clear that this was the be the oddest season ever not only when the ACC Tournament was canceled, but as Florida State accepted the trophy without taking a single dribble.
The Coronavirus has wrecked the lives of so many and it has touched the sports world where anyone reading this lives for this time of year. As a media member and a fan of college basketball, I feel everyone's pain, but that pain is different for each person.
It is going to take several weeks to understand all of the repercussions of the likelihood that the NCAA Tournament will be canceled. The Greensboro economy has taken a hit as has the ACC itself.
Fans are morbid, many have purchased tickets and traveled or made plans to do so. It is not hard to imagine that this situation which is changing a breakneck speed will cause many more issues.
As ACC commissioner John Swofford took to the coliseum floor, stunned teams and media were the only ones there to witness something they'll never forget.
The teams had already warmed up and their cheerleaders were in a pre-game battle just moments before and it looked as if I would be able to describe the unusual scene to fans on social media.
By the time I got to the lunch area which was still open, it was announced that Big East tournament would cease at the half and all the other conferences followed suit.
Many were blaming Rudy Gobert and his actions which forced the NBA to shut their league down. A few could not help but make this tragedy political. But everyone has a take and you could go on forever with speculation on how this will affect us all moving forward.
The players have nowed missed their chance to shine as well. Duke plays for March, not the regular season and there are players on their team and many others who wanted to impress the NBA scouts to raise their stock in the eventual draft.
No matter I try to explain my thoughts and emotions each minute brings something new to think about.
There is a part of me which hopes the NCAA takes a two-week wait and see approach to this. The nation could use some sports if we can contain this mess. But it is also time to realize that this season is in some ways a disappointment for every team in the country.
My mind and yours will start to process this catastrophic event in the coming weeks and I will have more to say soon enough. Until then, be safe, be wise but don't panic. A nation panicked completely making runs on gas stations and grocery stores will only set this situation into more of a frenzy.
By all means, do what it takes to make your family safe, stock up a bit as well. But leave some for your neighbor for in this game we are all on the same team.
Statement from the Atlantic Coast Conference:
“Following additional consultation with the league’s presidents and athletic directors, and in light of the continued conversations surrounding the fluidity of COVID-19, the Atlantic Coast Conference will immediately cancel the remainder of the 2020 ACC Tournament. For NCAA Tournament automatic qualification purposes, Florida State will represent the league as the ACC Champion. We are disappointed for our student-athletes, schools and fans to have to make this decision; however, the overall health and safety of all involved is the priority.”
