Out-of-state travel, transfers and fans among issues up in the air.
Video: Dior Johnson highlights Incoming Oak Hill Academy guard in action.
The NBA recently announced its plan to return to play, finishing the season with 22 teams reporting to Orlando, Fla., with a chance to compete for the title.
With the season expected to resume on July 31, plenty of questions remain around a return to the court.
The same can be said for the game at the high school level. State associations are trying to determine when returning to play will be safe for athletes across the nation.
Here's a look at the five biggest questions surrounding high school basketball next season in light of the pandemic.
Will fans be able to pack the stands for big time matchups like Simeon and Whitney Young in last year's Illinois Class 4A state playoffs?
Photo by Kirsten Stickney
Although many barriers remain before the high school basketball resumes in 2020-21, many are cautiously optimistic that players will take the court in the winter. The National Federation of State High School Associations Sports Medicine Advisory Committee released a
16-page document outlining points of emphasis and a three-phase plan for the return of high school sports.
Ultimately, a normal return of high school basketball is highly dependent on keeping the number of COVID-19 cases under control, while returning to play will be decided on a state-by-state basis.
2. Do top programs still plan to build a national schedule and travel across state lines?
Yes. Four-time defending South Carolina state champion
Dorman (Roebuck) has already announced plans to attend the Montverde Academy Invitational, Battle at the Rock, Bojangles Bash and King of the Bluegrass next season.
3. How are transfers being impacted?
It is hard to say how transfer season will play out prior to the 2020-21 season. However, early indications are high-level transfers will continue to join top programs across the nation.
4. How is summer basketball being impacted?
The Nike EYBL announced May 30 it was cancelling the season in the wake of COVID-19. The Adidas Gauntlet Series and Under Armour Association have yet to officially cancel their seasons, however all events up to this point have been cancelled in both circuits.
With players unable to compete in the major shoe circuits this summer, college recruiting has also become more difficult as the NCAA extended its dead period through July 31. The cancellation of major summer basketball events has also impacted college coaches ability to evaluate talent.
5. Will fans be in attendance next season?
While it is too early to say whether fans will be allowed to attend events at full capacity next year, it ultimately will depend on state associations rulings.
Some state associations, such as the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, have announced sports will return without any restrictions. High school sports in Iowa return on June 15, with the baseball and softball seasons taking place with no limits on fan attendance.
The hope is for basketball to return with fans packing the stands again in 2020-21. However, many hurdles still remain for the sport to return.
