The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recently announced the schedule and teams taking part in the first-ever Basketball Hall of Fame London Showcase.

The newly developed college basketball double-header will be held in conjunction with The O2 Arena on Sunday, December 6 2020. Marist College will face the University of Maryland, Baltimore County at 3:00 p.m. London time followed by the University of Kentucky and University of Michigan matchup at 6:00 p.m.

John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame, said:
"The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate the game on a global scale and we couldn’t be more excited to host four Division I men’s teams in London this December.

“The O2 is a beautiful, world-class venue and we expect many U.S.-based fans will make the trip to enjoy its amenities and support their teams abroad. We’re also looking forward to showcasing collegiate hoops to the local fans and growing the appreciation for basketball at all levels worldwide.”

The inaugural London Showcase is just one of many in the Hall of Fame's series of collegiate events and signals another move towards the celebration of basketball outside the museum walls.

Gael Caselli, VP of Sports, AEG Europe, commented:

“We are honoured to be hosting the Basketball Hall of Fame London Showcase at The O2 this December. Fans from around the world will come to celebrate basketball and enjoy the excitement and experience of college basketball in our world-class venue for the very first time, as we look forward to welcoming teams from Kentucky, Michigan, Marist and UMBC as part of this inaugural event.” 

John Calipari, Kentucky coach and Class of 2015 Basketball Hall of Famer, talks about Kentucky's matchup with Michigan:

“This series with Michigan checks off a lot of boxes when we're looking at teams to schedule. The first thing is, to add an opponent like Michigan and to do so at a point in the schedule where we're beginning to find out who we are as a team will be important in our development. And then to be able to do something different – to be first, which our fans know we love to do – and play this first game in London will be an unforgettable experience for our players and for our fans.”

Juwan Howard Michigan head coach also expresses his excitement for the competition:

"What a tremendous opportunity for Michigan, Kentucky and college basketball itself. Not only are we starting a three-game series with one of the premier college programs in the country, but we will also be able to create that "once-in-a-lifetime" experience for our young men and our fans. We cannot thank the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame enough for this opportunity. This is going to be truly special."

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birth-place of basketball, is a non-profit dedicated to promoting, preserving and admiring the game at all levels. Men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors are recognised both domestically and internationally for their love of basketball.

Home to over 400 inductees and more than 40,000 square feet of basketball history, the Hall of Fame is best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honouring the game's elite. As well as welcoming, educating and entertaining almost 200,000 people annually, the HoF operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions a year country-wide and abroad.

To learn more about the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum and events, visit www.hoophall.com or follow @hoophall #BHOFGlobal.

Tickets for the Basketball Hall of Fame London Showcase went on-sale to the general public yesterday Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. London time via AXS.com and The O2 arena box office. Television broadcast information will be released at a later date.