Cayman Islands Classic Field Announced

GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS – Missouri State’s men’s basketball team will be joined by Hampton, Old Dominion, Boise State, Duquesne, South Dakota State, Boston College and High Point at the 2024 Cayman Islands Classic, Nov. 24-26, it was announced Tuesday (June 18). The sixth edition of the popular tournament hosted by Caymax Sports Ltd., will take place at the John Gray Gymnasium at George Town, Grand Cayman, just minutes from the world-famous Seven-Mile Beach. 

Five teams in this year’s field reached post-season play in 2023-24, including 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.

Tournament brackets, game times and pairings for this year’s Cayman Islands Classic will be announced at a later date.

“We are thrilled to host the participating teams for the sixth annual Cayman Islands Classic,” said The Honorable Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Cayman Islands 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 will be Missouri State’s first appearance in the Cayman Islands Classic. The Bears were champions of the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam in November 2023. Three teams will make their second appearance in the Cayman Islands 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. 

“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. 

Travel packages will be released soon at www.caymanislandsclassic.com

Cayman Islands Classic History
2017 — Cincinnati, champion; Wyoming, runner-up
2018 — Creighton, champion; Clemson, runner-up
2019 — George Mason, champion; New Mexico State, runner-up
2022 — Kansas State, champion; LSU, runner-up
2023 — Utah State, champion; Stephen F. Austin, runner-up