Buffalo's Jim Whitesell Coaches From the Stands Despite Potential COVID-19 Exposure

The University of Buffalo men's basketball team was prepared to play on Thursday without head coach Jim Whitesell, but he showed up to coach from a distance despite being potentially exposed to COVID-19.

In a statement, the team said Whitesell "became aware of the possibility of contact with the virus" from an individual who is not associated with the men's basketball program or with the UB community.

Given contact-tracing protocols, he decided to coach from the stands approximately 15 feet behind the bench area as a form of social distancing. Meanwhile, assistant coach Angres Thorpe served as the acting head coach and assumed on court responsibilities for the Bulls. 

Buffalo ended up beating Mercyhurst for the Bulls' home opener despite missing Whitesell and inside players Brock Bertram and Josh Mballa. Coming into the matchup, the Bulls were shooting 26.4% from the perimeter in their first three games.