The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE NCAA joined the growing list of organisations to cancel sporting events as a means of combating the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19.

Several Bahamian athletes were set to compete at basketball and track and field championship meets at various levels within the organistion before the decision was announced yesterday.

Kai Jones and the Texas Longhorns were going through pre-game warmups with the Texas Tech Red Raiders at the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament when news broke that the Power Five conferences all cancelled their basketball tournaments due to the threats of further spread of the virus.

“I think this is emblematic of how our country will be responding to a very unusual set of circumstances,” said Big 12 President Bob Bowlsy. “I feel good that we made the right decision for the right reasons.”

Hours later, the NCAA chose to cancel all spring and winter championships, including the NCAA Indoor Division I Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Several Bahamian student athletes qualified for the meet as one of the top-16 ranked performers in their respective events. They include Devine Parker (Ohio State Buckeyes), Charisma Taylor (Washington State Cougars), Doniesha Anderson (Florida Gators), Jyles Etienne (Indiana Hoosiers), Megan Moss (Kentucky Wildcats) and Samson Colebrooke (Purdue Boilermakers).

Parker took to social media to express her disappointment.

“And just like that the season has come to a close. No outdoor season, no national indoor meet, nothing. My first NCAA meet I qualified for. This is so disappointing to say the least,” she said.

“This indoor season was one to remember though, the obstacles, the hurdles I overcame was one that I will forever be proud of myself for. Got the ‘w’ with my team at conference and also put down some lifetime personal bests. Until next time though everyone, stay healthy and see y’all next year. I got some unfinished business.”

At the Division II Championships in Birmingham, Alabama - Shyrone Kemp (Minnesota State University Moorehead), Denisha Cartwright (Central State), Jereinique Brooks (Fayetteville) and Jahmaal Wilson (West Texas A and M) were expected to compete.

“NCAA president Mark Emmert and the board of governors cancelled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships,” the NCAA announced.

“This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to the spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decision by other entities.”

The cancellation of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament grabbed headlines. Thus far, Charles Bain was the lone Bahamian to qualify for the field when his Robert Morris Colonials captured the NEC tournament title to earn an automatic bid. It is the first time the NCAA Tournament will not be held since it began in 1939.