Quadruple-header to Feature Gonzaga vs. Texas Tech, USC vs. Georgia Tech,
Grand Canyon vs. San Francisco, and Northern Arizona vs. San Diego
CBS Sports to Broadcast Gonzaga vs. Texas Tech on CBS at 1:00 PM, ET
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the field of teams for the third annual Jerry Colangelo Classic, a premier college basketball showcase hosted at Phoenix Suns Arena on Saturday, December 18, 2021. The one-day quadruple-header will feature Gonzaga vs. Texas Tech (airing on the CBS television network), USC vs. Georgia Tech, Grand Canyon vs. San Francisco, and Northern Arizona vs. San Diego.
“We look forward to hosting a unique collegiate event in Phoenix, featuring two Arizona teams and honoring Jerry Colangelo, a man who has done so much for the game and the state he calls home,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “We think this will be a great opportunity for college basketball fans to come out and enjoy the wonderful desert climate this holiday season, while taking in four games at the newly renovated Phoenix Suns Arena.”
The Jerry Colangelo Classic is one event in the Hall of Fame’s series of collegiate events, which continues to grow in an effort to celebrate the game outside the museum walls. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to continue its relationship with Learfield IMG College for sponsorship representation of its portfolio of collegiate events and Position Sports in an event operations and media relations capacity.
Ticket information, game times and additional television broadcast details and will be released at a later date. As the health and safety of the athletes, fans and staff is of the utmost importance, the Basketball Hall of Fame will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely in the coming months and provide updates as needed.
Quotes from Participating Head Coaches
“We are looking forward to playing in a high-level nationally-relevant game in a city where our program has some great memories. Personally, it will be a very special experience honoring a great man, and a friend, in Jerry Colangelo. We have a great deal of respect for Coach Adams and his staff, and are excited to play a tremendous program in Texas Tech.” - Mark Few, Gonzaga
"We are excited to have the opportunity to play in the Basketball Hall of Fame's Jerry Colangelo Classic. Our program was looking forward to playing in the game last season and can't wait to get to Phoenix and compete this year. Games like this are tremendous showcases for the college game and we are excited to be a part of it.” - Mark Adams, Texas Tech
“Our team has been fortunate to play in several well-run Basketball Hall of Fame events and we expect the Jerry Colangelo Classic in Phoenix will be no different. It’s always a welcomed experience to play in an NBA arena, especially against a quality power five opponent like Georgia Tech. We hope to see our fans in the desert this December!" - Andy Enfield, USC
“We’re excited to bring Georgia Tech’s basketball team to Phoenix and support the Basketball Hall of Fame in this top-notch event. USC is a terrific opponent for us; they’ve played at a high level in recent years. We’re both strong academic institutions with quality basketball programs. We know this will be a great test for our team, and a great addition a strong non-conference schedule for us.” - Josh Pastner, Georgia Tech
“We are thrilled to be a part of the Hall of Fame’s Jerry Colangelo Classic and to be playing in downtown Phoenix. Being in our hometown NBA Arena will be a great experience for both our players and our fans. We played San Francisco last year and know how strong of a program they are, so we are looking forward to another opportunity to compete against them.” - Bryce Drew, Grand Canyon
"We are very excited to participate in the 2021 Jerry Colangelo Classic. This was an event we were supposed to play in last season, but didn't get the opportunity. Coach Drew has done a great job in a short period of time at GCU and playing them in the Phoenix Suns Arena is the kind of game that will prepare us well for our conference slate.” - Todd Golden, San Francisco
“Any time you’re associated with Mr. Colangelo, who I consider one of the biggest sports names in Arizona, it’s an honor. To be invited to this event, it means a lot to NAU Basketball. The other seven teams there are exceptional as well, and the opportunity for our guys to play at the home of the Phoenix Suns, who are making a run to an NBA championship, is one that we’re looking forward to. We hope to have a lot of Blue & Gold Lumberjack fans in the crowd.” - Shane Burcar, Northern Arizona
"We are extremely excited to be a part of this outstanding event organized by the Basketball Hall of Fame. To share the court with these seven great programs is truly an honor. We look forward to competing in an amazing city and arena." - Sam Scholl, San Diego
About Phoenix Suns Arena
For more than 29 years, Phoenix Suns Arena has been a hub for world class sports and entertainment as the home of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Arizona Rattlers and dozens of live concerts and events each year. Vital to the growth and development of Phoenix’s urban core, the recent $230 million dollar transformation of Phoenix Suns Arena has placed the downtown venue among the top sports and entertainment destinations in the country and makes Phoenix a true 24-hour city. The reimagined arena features state-of-the-art improvements that offer a world-class guest experience to all who step inside the doors for years to come. For more information, visit PhoenixSunsArena.com.
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum and events, visit www.hoophall.com, follow @hoophall #ColangeloClassic or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.