The Jackson TN Underdawgs is the second team in The Basketball Tournament, the winner-take-all event for $1 million that begins July 4, that will not compete because of the coronavirus, according to a Wednesday report by ESPN.
Officials for the 24-team event announced Wednesday that the Jackson TN Underdawgs have been eliminated after a player’s positive test. The squad, anchored by former East Tennessee State standout A.J. Merriweather and former Tennessee State standout Josh Sain, will be replaced by D2, a collection of former Division II players.
“We take the health of our participants very seriously,” said Jon Mugar, founder and CEO of TBT. “We are more confident than ever in our health and safety plan to reduce risk. The Underdawgs have been a personal and fan favorite for many years and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2021. We wish the team member a speedy recovery in the meantime.”
ESPN reported earlier this month, Best Virginia, a squad led by former West Virginia stars, withdrew after one of its players tested positive. Officials said the team had the option to compete without that player but chose to leave the event.
D2 will now face Big X on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN. This year’s TBT is at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, and features stars such as former Ohio State standout Aaron Craft (Carmen’s Crew) and seven-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson (Overseas Elite).