When it comes to COVID-era sporting events, bubbles seem to work.
After the success of the NHL, WNBA, and NBA in continuing their seasons in bubble settings, could the same be coming for NCAA college basketball?
Rhossi Carron from U-Sports Group is working hard to put one together in Houston.
"We're just trying to figure out a way to present a platform that will allow teams to participate in a non-conference schedule that also prioritizes the health and safety of student-athletes," Carron says.
With most schools concluding the fall semester (or at least in-person classes) after Thanksgiving, December is wide open for non-conference basketball.
Carron's plan would have teams playing nine games (one scrimmage, and eight non-conference matchups) between December 1 and December 21.
The "Battle in the Bubble" would be similar to the NBA's setup in Orlando, with teams staying in areas in Houston, testing consistently for COVID-19, and playing games at limited sites.
Carron says he's received interest from about 80 teams. But his event would feature around 20 schools, split into two pods. Teams could come from all levels of NCAA Division I Men's College Basketball, but will most likely within the southwest region.
Of course, the biggest hurdle is making sure the NCAA is on board.
"At the end of the day, what goes on this season, as far as start (dates), number of games in the non-conference, if there's a bubble format in the regular season...will be determined by the NCAA," Carron says.
