CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Basketball fans are asking, “Where Is The Cayman Islands?” as Boston College announces its exciting participation in the 2024 Cayman Islands Classic. Set to take place from November 24-26, this prestigious tournament will be held at the John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman, a location famed for its proximity to the stunning Seven-Mile Beach.
The eight-team field for this year’s Classic is packed with talent, featuring five teams that showcased their skills in postseason play last season. Notably, three of these teams – Boston College, Boise State, and Duquesne – competed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, promising a high level of competition in the Caribbean. Joining them are Hampton, High Point, Missouri State, Old Dominion (ODU), and South Dakota State, rounding out a competitive and diverse lineup. The complete tournament bracket, including team matchups, is eagerly anticipated and will be released soon.
“We are genuinely excited to be a part of the Cayman Islands Classic,” stated head coach Earl Grant. “This tournament offers our program an invaluable experience early in the season. Competing against such a strong field in the beautiful setting of Grand Cayman is something we are all looking forward to.”
For those wondering where these islands are located, the Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica. Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands, is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal location for a high-profile sporting event.
South Dakota State, Boise State, and Duquesne’s participation highlights the tournament’s NCAA Tournament pedigree, while High Point’s runner-up finish in the CBI last season further underscores the quality of the teams involved. The Honorable Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism and Transport, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event for the sixth year. “We are thrilled to welcome these participating teams to the Cayman Islands Classic,” he said. “This event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase not only top-level collegiate basketball but also the Cayman Islands as a premier sports tourism destination.”
Minister Bryan continued, “On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, I extend a warm welcome to all teams and their fans. Your presence significantly boosts our local economy and helps solidify the Cayman Islands’ reputation as a leading destination for international sports events. We are anticipating thrilling competition and an exciting week filled with basketball and cultural exchange.”
This year marks a first for the Boston College Eagles as they make their debut in the Cayman Islands Classic. However, several teams are familiar with the tournament. South Dakota State holds the distinction of participating in the inaugural tournament in 2017. Boise State previously competed in 2018, and Old Dominion in 2019. Adding to the returning presence, three coaches will be revisiting the tournament: Leon Rice, who coached Boise State in 2018; Alan Huss, High Point’s second-year head coach who was an assistant coach with Creighton when they won the title in 2018; and Eric Henderson, South Dakota State’s head coach, who was an assistant coach when SDSU participated in 2017.
Joe Wright, owner and chief executive officer of Caymax Sports Ltd., emphasized the competitive nature of this year’s lineup. “We have an exceptionally strong group of teams participating this year, and we are delighted to welcome them,” he stated. “We are eagerly looking forward to the intense competition as they all compete for the coveted Cayman Islands Classic championship.” Wright added, “Our tournament offers an unforgettable experience. Set against the backdrop of the Cayman Islands’ unmatched beauty and luxurious accommodations, both teams and fans are in for a truly spectacular experience.”
Looking at team performances, South Dakota State is coming off a successful season, having swept the Summit League championship and advancing to the NCAA Tournament East Region with a 22-13 record under Coach Henderson. Duquesne has a new head coach in Dru Joyce III, who steps up after serving as associate head coach for the Dukes. Last season, Duquesne achieved a 25-12 overall record, going 10-8 in the Atlantic 10 Conference and reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament after a first-round victory against BYU. Boise State, with a 22-11 record and a 13-5 conference record in the Mountain West, also earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament First Four. High Point, under Coach of the Year Alan Huss, enjoyed a breakout season with a 27-9 overall record and 13-3 in the Big South Conference, reaching the CBI championship game.
Missouri State welcomes back a familiar face with Cuonzo Martin returning as head coach. Martin previously led the Bears from 2008-2011 and takes over a team that finished 17-16 last season. Hampton and Old Dominion are under the leadership of first-year coaches Ivan Thomas and Mike Jones, respectively, both aiming to revitalize their programs.
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
