Duke basketball encounters another massive change in schedule

Duke basketball (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Duke basketball (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Another massive scheduling change took place for the Duke basketball team.

Oh, so you thought one major Duke basketball story late Friday night was enough?

Well, you would be wrong.

In the span of two hours, the world learned that Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski did not make the trip to Tallahassee, Florida, as the Hall of Famer was entering standard quarantine protocols following exposure to the novel coronavirus.

Krzyzewski came into contact with a person who is COVID-19 positive, not within the Duke basketball program, but it is not known whether or not the 73-year-old has tested positive.

Associate head coach Jon Scheyer was set to assume head coaching duties in the critical ACC matchup on Saturday night between No. 20 Duke and No. 18 Florida State until news broke that the game was postponed because of COVID-19 positive tests within the Seminoles program.

ALSO READ: COVID-19 protocols sideline Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski

Duke was already in its hotel in Florida when the news broke and will board a plane back to Durham, North Carolina on Saturday morning.

The news was first reported by CBS Sports college basketball reporter Matt Norlander.

Saturday’s postponement marks the second straight game that the Blue Devils have seen postponed because of the virus after the Pittsburgh Panthers announced positive tests one day before its scheduled meeting with Duke on Tuesday.

Duke has now seen five games either canceled or postponed because of COVID-19 positive tests, none of which have come from the Blue Devils.

Duke basketball continues long layoff

After canceling the remainder of its non-conference schedule following the completion of four non-conference games, Duke suited up in its first ACC game of the season against Notre Dame on December 16.

The Blue Devils put forth their best effort of the young season but have yet to play a game since.

ALSO READ: Duke disrespected by experts despite slow start to season

Pending the game on Wednesday, January 6 takes place against Boston College, it will be 21 days since Duke has played a basketball game.

In order to be eligible for the 2021 NCAA Tournament, the Blue Devils must play in 13 games, needing eight more to qualify for the postseason.