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The Latest: Pitino calls for delayed start to basketball

Associated Press

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FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2018, file photo, former Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino appears during a news conference in New York. Hall of Famer Pitino was named basketball coach at Iona College on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Pitino coached at Louisville from 2001-17 before being fired in a pay-for-play scandal and had been coaching in Greece. He replaces Tim Cluess, who resigned Friday after 10 years and six NCAA Tournament appearances due to health concerns. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) (AP)

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

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Iona coach Rick Pitino is calling for a delayed start to the college basketball season as COVID-19 cases rise across the country.

“Save the Season,” Pitino tweeted on Saturday. “Move the start back. Play league schedule and have May Madness. Spiking and protocols make it impossible to play right now.”

NCAA vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt said this week that he’s fully confident there will be a season, but an increase in coronavirus cases have led to multiple cancelations in football and caused uncertainty about basketball.

Many schools are still trying to fill out schedules with the season set to start on Nov. 25.

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Germany’s game against Ukraine in the Nations League has been given the go-ahead to proceed by local health authorities.

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