Basketball was invented in Springfield, but that’s not the only reason Division I college basketball belongs to the MassMutual Center.
Also, the University of Massachusetts Amherst Men’s Team maintains a strong fan base in Greater Springfield. Some of Minuteman’s most memorable moments came to the MassMutual Center, which dates back to its time as the Civic Center, so their return on December 17th is most appropriate.
UMass Men’s Team Play against the University of North Texas as part of the Classic Doubleheader inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This is the first time Division I college balls have been played downtown since 2015.
The other half of the program matches Bryant University and Liberty University. This is a high quality quartet for the team. Bryant participated in the NCAA tournament in March, North Texas participated in the National Invitation Tournament, and Liberty was the regular season ASUN (formerly Atlantic Sun) conference champion.
Together, those three teams won 69 games. UMass will be headed by new director Frank Martin. His success in South Carolina (including his appearance in the NCAA Final Four) and his transformed roster have high hopes for Amherst.
For years in the second half of the 20th century, Springfield hosted Tip-Off Classic, a single game with a nationally renowned team that officially launched the college basketball season. The surge in early tournaments and other factors led to the end of that tradition.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame We host many such events nationwide and around the world. Local pride fears that some enthusiasts may be left behind in Springfield’s medium-sized market, but Hoophall president John L. Dreva argues that the city will never be abandoned. doing.
“The city of Springfield has a long history of hosting college basketball and looks forward to providing a unique experience for the four teams and their fans, including a visit to the Basketball Hall of Fame. This is the city’s annual. I hope it is a revival of tradition, “said Doleva.
Seven years during the Downtown Division I game was too long. This quality event with a fun team is a welcome opportunity for Springfield to regain its hosting status — not only in December, but in the years that follow.
