Local basketball fans can begin preparing for the 7th edition of the Cayman Islands Classic as the men’s teams and schedules have been confirmed.
The men’s NCAA Division 1 teams set to play in the 23-25 Nov. event, hosted by Caymax Sports Ltd. at the John Gray gymnasium, will be George Washington, Middle Tennessee, Murray State and McNeese State.
The event’s opening game will see McNeese State take on George Washington on 23 Nov. at 5pm, followed by Murray State against Middle Tennessee at 7:30pm.
The following day, Middle Tennessee will take on George Washington at 5pm with McNeese State facing Murray State later that evening at 7:30pm.
Tuesday’s games will feature Middle Tennessee against McNeese at 5pm followed by George Washington versus Murray State at 7:30pm.
Bill Armstrong, in his first year as head coach, takes over a McNeese team who had a 28–7 season last year. The McNeese Cowboys secured their first-ever NCAA Tournament win, defeating Clemson 69–67 in the first round. They also completed their second-consecutive sweep of the Southland Conference’s regular-season and tournament championships.
Under head coach Nick McDevitt, Middle Tennessee posted a 22–12 record in the 2024–25 season and made it to the National Invitation Tournament.
Chris Caputo is back for his third year coaching George Washington, an Atlantic 10 Conference member.
Meanwhile, Ryan Miller is new at the helm of Murray State and looking to elevate the team after their 16–17 finish last season.
In a recent press release announcing the tournament participants, Joe Wright, owner and chief executive officer of Caymax Sports Ltd., said, “We’re excited to welcome these outstanding programs to this year’s Cayman Islands Classic.”
“They’re in for a first-class experience – both on the court and in the beautiful Cayman Islands. It’s going to be a special week of competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories for teams and fans alike.”
More details on the event can be found on www.caymanclassic.com.
Cayman Islands Classic History
- 2024 – Boston College, champion; Boise State, runner-up
- 2023 – Utah State, champion; Stephen F. Austin, runner-up
- 2022 – Kansas State, champion; LSU, runner-up
- 2020/2021 – COVID forced cancellation of the event
- 2019 – George Mason, champion; New Mexico State, runner-up
- 2018 – Creighton, champion; Clemson, runner-up
- 2017 – Cincinnati, champion; Wyoming, runner-up
