NCAA sets start date for basketball season, approves Tyrese Martin transfer

Ever since college basketball came to a screeching halt back in March, and football went through calamity this fall, uncertainty about the 2020-21 hoops season has been mounting. On Wednesday, teams and their fans were able to let out a collective sigh of relief as the NCAA announced the upcoming season would officially begin on November 25.

Under these season-specific guidelines set by the NCAA, the men's and women's basketball programs will be able to schedule up to 27 games and are encouraged to include four matchups with non-conference opponents. While this is four games less than usual, when you consider that UConn spring sports had their seasons cut tragically short and fall sports were canceled entirely, a slightly-shortened season is still a big win for athletic departments everywhere.

To give teams enough time to prepare for the season, the NCAA will allow players up to twelve hours a week of strength, conditioning, and skill development activities from September 21-October 13, then allow teams to officially begin practices on October 14. Between this time and the first games on November 25, coaches will be allowed to conduct up to 30 practices with their teams.

Tyrese Martin granted transfer-waiver for upcoming season

The good news continued to pour in for UConn men's basketball on Wednesday as Tyrese Martin was officially granted a transfer-waiver by the NCAA. This decision allows him to play during the upcoming 2020-21 season and was first announced by Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

The 6' 6" junior guard who followed Coach Hurley from URI averaged 12.8 points per game for the Rams last season and will provide valuable frontcourt experience for the Huskies. He enters this season with two years of eligibility remaining and will compete for court time with the likes of James Bouknight, RJ Cole, Jalen Gaffney, and Andre Jackson on an ultra-talented UConn squad.

Check out these highlights from Martin's last season at URI: