Three questions stand out heading into college basketball’s Championship Week. Two involve the host city of the NCAA Tournament’s First Four. Another centers around a major global health concern.

How high will Dayton Basketball fly seed-wise?

When looking for the best college basketball in the tri-state. The Dayton area is currently the place to look. Dayton Basketball is in the midst of their best season in decades. They are making the case for a No.1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Navigating upward in a topsy-turvy college basketball season. With teams like San Diego State Basketball in the top five during this season. While Rutgers Basketball appeared in the AP Top 25 for the first time in decades.

Dayton is ranked third in this week’s AP Top 25. According to Sports Reference, Dayton last ranked that high in 1956. The Dayton Flyers No.1 seed hopes will depend on how several teams fare next week. Not just how the Flyers fare in the Atlantic Ten Tournament. An early A-10 Tournament exit for Dayton might dash those No.1 seed hopes. Due in part to the A-10’s mid-major status. Even with an early exit, Dayton has a strong case at worst for a No.2 seed.

Will Wright State Basketball get into the big dance?

This topsy-turvy year could help “one bid conferences” like the Horizon League. To get more respect from the NCAA Selection Committee. Typically, winning the Horizon League Tournament is the only route into March Madness. That will certainly be the case for Northern Kentucky Basketball this year. However, it would be fascinating if Wright State Basketball got in without the automatic bid.

Wright State already won the Horizon League’s regular season title. Dayton and Wright State going far would be the feel good story of March Madness. Given how 2019 went for the City of Dayton and the Greater Dayton region. Enduring devastating tornadoes, a klan rally and a mass shooting. After all, Americans love stories about bouncing back from difficult times.

What impact will the Coronavirus have on March Madness?

The coronavirus is leaving an impact on sports around the world. From concerns over the upcoming Summer Olympics in Tokyo. To the cancellation of various sporting events in various countries. NCAA Tournament officials are monitoring the spread of the virus in the US. So far, no conference tournaments have been disrupted due to the coronavirus. Chicago State and UMKC Basketball have backed out of games at Seattle University. Seattle is dealing with one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the US.

Several NCAA Tournament hosting sites are in states dealing with the coronavirus. As of Friday morning, four sites are in states with no reported coronavirus cases. Dayton and Cleveland, OH, Indianapolis, IN and St. Louis, MO. Meanwhile, Xavier Basketball and Cincinnati Basketball’s conference tournaments are in states with cases. With Xavier heading to New York City and Cincinnati heading to Fort Worth, TX.