Gov. Lamont ‘thinking about’ UConn schedule

The NCAA has flashed a green light for the men’s and women’s college basketball season, signaling a potential slate of games for the UConn’s programs.

But the prospect of the teams traveling amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is giving Gov. Ned Lamont and his staff reason to pause. Asked Thursday for his thoughts about UConn basketball given Lamont’s previous concern about a potential UConn football season, the governor said he has looked at the NBA’s bubble as he considers the issue.

“I’ve got to see how they’re thinking about it for UConn basketball,” Lamont said. “Those players will interface with a greater community, interface in classes, they’ll take classes and meals as part of the basketball bubble … so that will sort of impact how you think about those away games.”

In July, Lamont expressed concern over the UConn football team traveling to states with a high rate of coronavirus infections. UConn has since canceled its fall football season.

On Wednesday, the NCAA Division I Council approved a Nov. 25 start for the basketball season. Practices can begin Oct. 14 and teams can play a maximum of 27 games.

Conferences will devise scheduling to maximize time between semesters, when most students are not on campuses. There are reportedly proposals for tournaments in bubbles — Mohegan Sun Arena has been mentioned — as schools attempt to limit travel.

UConn may be forced to work around the state’s travel ban that focuses on so-called COVID-19 hotspots. Lamont’s chief of staff Paul Mounds said UConn athletic director David Benedict has been consulting with the Department of Public Health “in terms of understanding the guideline put forth by the state.”

“With the updated guidelines dealing with quarantine as well as with the test … I know Dave Benedict and his team are well aware of the raw guidelines and have been working in close coordination with the state as another season comes upon us,” Mounds said.

Lamont was also asked about COVID restrictions associated with the arrival of Toronto FC, the MLS team that will play home games at East Hartford’s Rentschler Field starting Sept. 27.

“As part of our agreement to have them come to Rentschler Field to play their games, we went through with the public health department the protocols they have in place,” said Josh Geballe, Lamont’s chief operating officer. “Essentially they’re going to be either in and out of the state very rapidly or while they’re here, quarantining in their hotel or in their residence.

“(Acting DPH commissioner Deidre) Gifford was very comfortable with the plans that they put forward and we’re confident that it will be a successful addition to the professional sports landscape here in Connecticut for the short term.”