GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS — The Cayman Islands Classic basketball tournament has been canceled due to the NCAA changing the starting date of college basketball this season.  

The NCAA announced on September 16 that the college basketball season would be pushed back from its original start date of Nov. 10 to Nov. 25 because of the coronavirus pandemic. It also reduced the number of games each NCAA team can play this season.  

The eight-team Cayman Islands Classic was scheduled for Nov. 23-25 with the field including Kansas State, La Salle, Miami, Ole Miss, Nevada, Oregon State, UNI and Western Kentucky. 

"Unfortunately, we had to cancel the tournament because of several variables including the COVID-19 pandemic," said Joe Wright, Chief Executive Officer for Caymax Sports Ltd. "We are disappointed because we had an incredible lineup and we were excited to watch these talented teams compete. We look forward to welcoming teams back to the Cayman Islands in 2021."

Coaches from participating teams also echoed similar comments.

"We are disappointed that we will not be able to participate in the Cayman Islands Classic this season," said Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis. "The tournament had a great field and we have heard great things about the event. We are looking forward to being part of it in the near future."

"We were really looking forward to playing in the Cayman Islands Classic," said Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle. "We hope to make the trip in the next couple of years."

The Cayman Islands Classic will resume play Nov. 22-24, 2021.