DePaul cancels first three games of basketball season after positive coronavirus tests

“We’ll return to the practice floor and competition after we complete all mandated protocols and procedures,” coach Dave Leitao said.

By Sun-Times staff

“Unfortunately as positive [coronavirus] cases have been increasing all around us, we now have to deal with it directly in our program,” DePaul men’s basketball coach Dave Leitao said in a statement.

DePaul has canceled the first three games of its men’s basketball season and paused all team activities after members of the program tested positive for the coronavirus. The university did not identify the people who tested positive.

“We have been able to sustain a level of productivity while facing the COVID-19 pandemic during the preseason, but unfortunately as positive cases have been increasing all around us, we now have to deal with it directly in our program,” coach Dave Leitao said in a statement. “We’ll return to the practice floor and competition after we complete all mandated protocols and procedures.”

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The Blue Demons were to open the season on Nov. 25 against Chicago State. The Nov. 28 game against Alcorn State and the Northern Illinois game on Dec. 3 have also been canceled. The season is now set to begin Dec. 6 against Iowa State.

“Flexibility and patience will continue to be paramount this season as we navigate these unique times,” athletic director DeWayne Peevy said.

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