GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS – Five teams that reached post-season play, including three from the 2023 NCAA Tournament, headline the eight-team field that promises to make the 2024 Cayman Islands Classic one of the most entertaining yet.
The sixth edition of the popular tournament hosted by Caymax Sports Ltd., will take place Nov. 24-26 at the John Gray Gymnasium at George Town, Grand Cayman, just minutes from the world-famous Seven-Mile Beach.
South Dakota State, Boise State and Duquesne from the NCAA Tournament, Boston College, which advanced to the second round of the NIT and CBI runner-up High Point, come to the island tournament on the heels of their postseason experience.
Rounding out the tournament field will be Hampton, Missouri State, and Old Dominion.
"We are thrilled to host the participating teams for the sixth annual Cayman Islands Classic," said The Honorable Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism and Transport. "This event not only showcases top-tier collegiate basketball but also highlights the Cayman Islands as a vibrant destination for sports tourism.
"On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism I extend a warm welcome to all the teams and fans," he added. "Their presence here contributes significantly to our local economy and helps promote the Cayman Islands as a leading destination for international sports events. We are looking forward to great competition and an exciting week of basketball and cultural exchange."
Three teams will make their second appearance in the tournament. South Dakota State participated in the inaugural tournament in 2017, Boise State played in the event in 2018, and Old Dominion appeared in 2019.
In addition, three coaches are making return visits to the tournament. Leon Rice coached his Boise State team in the Cayman Islands Classic in 2018. Second-year High Point head coach Alan Huss was an assistant coach on the Creighton staff when the Bluejays won the Cayman Islands Classic title in 2018. South Dakota State head coach Eric Henderson was an assistant coach at SDSU when the Jackrabbits played in the event in 2017.
"We have an exceptionally competitive lineup of teams in this year's tournament, and we are thrilled to welcome them," expressed Joe Wright, owner and chief executive officer of Caymax Sports Ltd. "We're eagerly anticipating the intense competition as they vie for the prestigious Cayman Islands Classic championship.
"Our tournament promises an unforgettable experience," Wright said. "Amidst the backdrop of the Cayman Islands' unparalleled beauty and luxurious accommodations, teams and fans alike are in for a truly spectacular treat."
South Dakota State swept to the Summit League championship last winter, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament East Region, capping the year with a 22-13 overall record under Henderson.
Dru Joyce III has moved up to the head coaching spot for Duquesne after serving two years as associate head coach for the Dukes who went 25-12 overall and 10-8 in the Atlantic 10 Conference, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after earning a first-round victory against BYU.
Boise State went 22-11 last year, tying for second place in the Mountain West Conference with a 13-5 record and earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament First Four.
Boston College posted 20 wins a year ago, grabbing a spot in the National Invitation Tournament in coach Earl Grant's third season at the helm. The Eagles knocked off Providence in a first-round NIT contest. Earlier, BC claimed wins over Miami and Clemson in the ACC tournament.
High Point had a breakout season under Huss, landing a 27-9 overall record and 13-3 mark in the Big South Conference after being picked for seventh place. Huss nabbed the league's Coach of the Year honor, then took his team to the CBI championship game.
A familiar name takes over the leadership at Missouri State, where Cuonzo Martin returns as head coach at the Missouri Valley Conference program. He led the Bears from 2008-2011, and inherited a squad that went 17-16 overall a year ago. First-year coaches Ivan Thomas at Hampton and Mike Jones at Old Dominion are hoping to ignite turnarounds.
Brackets and travel packages will be released soon at
www.caymanislandsclassic.com
Cayman Islands Classic History
2023 — Utah State, champion; Stephen F. Austin, runner-up
2022 — Kansas State, champion; LSU, runner-up
2019 — George Mason, champion; New Mexico State, runner-up
2018 — Creighton, champion; Clemson, runner-up
2017 — Cincinnati, champion; Wyoming, runner-up