BREAKING: The AAC Has Canceled Its Men’s Basketball Tournament

The American Athletic Conference just announced that the men’s basketball tournament set to kickoff at 1 p.m. has been canceled due to the outbreak of Coronavirus across the country, and world.

The conference had previously announced last night that only the teams, essential personnel, and family members would be in attendance.

The announcement comes in quick succession with the the news that the NBA is suspending play after two NBA players tested positive for COVID-19.

The Big 10, and SEC have canceled their respective tournaments as well.

It’s a tough blow for the seniors, but in these uncertain times, a proactive approach is the best course of action.

USF men’s basketball was set to face UCF at 1 p.m.

It’s fitting that the final shot of the Bulls’ season was a game-winning three from senior guard Laquincy Rideau.

UPDATE: 12:34 PM

Head coach Brian Gregory comments on the entire situation:

“We went though everything this morning normal..but it didn’t feel normal, though. I’ll be honest with you. We went through our pre-game routine. Hopped on the bus, and went to the arena. When I got to the arena, I talked to Nate Pomeday, the Associate Commissioner in charge of basketball, and he let me know [the AAC] was going to cancel the entire tournament. It was a little bit of a shock, but at the same time, I think everybody’s 100% committed that it was the right decision to make.”

“It’s been a hard day, there’s no doubt about it. But, through being positive and faith, we’re gonna get through it.”