BC to Compete in Cayman Islands Classic in November

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Boston College is set to compete in the 2024 Cayman Islands Classic, held Nov. 24-26 at the John Gray Gymnasium at George Town, Grand Cayman, just minutes from the world-famous Seven-Mile Beach.

The eight-team field features five teams that reached postseason play a season ago, including three from the 2023 NCAA Tournament: BC, Boise State, Duquesne, Hampton, High Point, Missouri State, ODU, and South Dakota State. The full bracket, with matchups, will be released at a later date.

"We are looking forward to participating in the Cayman Islands Classic," said head coach Earl Grant "This will provide our program with a great experience early in the season, competing against an outstanding tournament field in a beautiful setting on Grand Cayman."

South Dakota State, Boise State and Duquesne appeared in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, while High Point finished last season as runners-up in the CBI.

"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."

This marks the Eagles' first trip to the Cayman Islands. 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.

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.

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

BC to Compete in Cayman Islands Classic in November

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