High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman is among the coaches adjusting their preparation strategies for early morning tip-off times on the opening day of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The Panthers faced the Wisconsin Badgers in a first-round matchup at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, on March 19, 2026.
Schedule Challenges
Clayman was photographed walking off the team bus ahead of the game, highlighting the logistical challenges teams face with unusual start times. The early scheduling requires adjustments to practice times, meal schedules, and player rest routines.
The tournament's opening day featured multiple early games across various sites, forcing coaching staffs to simulate morning game conditions during practice weeks. Coaches emphasized the importance of maintaining normal pre-game routines despite the atypical schedule.
