Syracuse men’s basketball player tests positive for COVID-19

Just a couple of hours prior to the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball game against the Niagara Purple Eagles, SU Athletics announced that a member of the men’s basketball team had tested for COVID-19. As a result, the unnamed player and others determined through contact tracing won’t play the game against Niagara and for the foreseeable future.

While the unnamed player has yet to be revealed, Syracuse.com’s Mike Waters has confirmed that Buddy Boeheim was one of the individuals to be identified through contact tracing and won’t be playing in the game.

Jim Boeheim has been critical about the COVID-19 protocols, especially after the Orange only had one practice before their season opener against Bryant last week due to a program shutdown. He has mentioned that full shutdowns due to one positive test would “destroy” the college basketball season. As is the case here, Syracuse is still set to play against Niagara despite the confirmed COVID-19 test.

We have James at the Carrier Dome tonight to report on the game, so follow him on Twitter (@JamesSzuba) for updates throughout the game and more information regarding who has tested positive and who won’t feature for the Orange.