The Clemson men’s basketball team has enjoyed a great deal of success at the Charleston Classic in three trips to the “Holy City”, winning the event once (2008) and finishing as runners-up twice (2013 & 2017). The Tigers will have a fourth opportunity to add to their trophy case this November, as Clemson has been announced as one of eight teams participating in the tournament at TD Arena in downtown Charleston.
Clemson will open the event against Temple on November 18th at 4pm. The contest will be televised on ESPN2. Last season, the Owls played just sixteen games, recording a 5-11 overall record and 4-10 mark in the Atlantic 10. Clemson will play either St. Bonaventure or Boise State in the second round on Friday, November 19th. That contest will tipoff at either noon or 2 p.m./2:30 p.m. on Friday. The championship game of the “Charleston Classic” is set for Sunday, November 21st.
ESPN has partnered with the Shriners Hospitals for Children on a four-year agreement as the new title sponsor of the event. The other teams participating in this year’s “Classic” are: Elon, Marquette, Ole Miss, and West Virginia.
Full Charleston Classic Release Per ESPN Events:
ESPN Events and Shriners Hospitals for Children have come to a four-year agreement, making Shriners Hospitals for Children the new title sponsor of the Charleston Classic. The multi-team tournament, to be played November 18, 19 and 21, at TD Arena in Charleston, S.C., will feature 12 games across three days, with winners advancing through the bracket. The two teams that remain undefeated will play for the opportunity to be named tournament champion. Teams set to play in the 2021 Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic include Boise State, Clemson, Elon, Marquette, Ole Miss, St. Bonaventure, Temple and West Virginia.
“We are excited to welcome Shriners Hospitals for Children into our ESPN Events family,” said Clint Overby, vice president of ESPN Events. “This title sponsorship will provide many opportunities to highlight and support this incredible organization during tournament week both in Charleston and during game telecasts. We look forward to highlighting and supporting their work, as well as welcoming student-athletes, coaches and fans back to Charleston for this wonderful event.”
“We are thrilled to team up with ESPN and the Charleston Classic in support of our life-changing mission,” said James R. “Jim” Smith, Imperial Potentate of Shriners International and CEO of Shriners Hospitals for Children. “Our healthcare system has helped nearly 1.5 million children in the last century, transforming the lives of so many and giving them the ability to pursue their passions including sports such as basketball.”
Field Highlights
- St. Bonaventure is ranked No. 15 in ESPN’s “Way Too Early” Top 25 for the upcoming season
- West Virginia earned a No. 3 seed in the 2021 NCAA Tournament and advanced to the second round
- Marquette is led by new head coach Shaka Smart, who finished with a 109-86 record at Texas, earning a No. 3 seed in the 2021 NCAA Tournament
- Clemson has reached two of the last three NCAA Tournaments, securing a No. 7 seed last season
- Boise State and Ole Miss played in the 2021 NIT Tournament
- Temple is a returning Charleston Classic champion (2017)
- Elon advanced to the CAA Championship last season
This family-friendly tournament offers the teams a week of practice, play and experiences in and around historic Charleston.
Tickets will be available for purchase following the announcement of the complete tournament schedule later this summer. In the meantime, fans can secure up to $25 off each all-tournament ticket by signing up for the pre-sale at www.charlestonclassic.com.
