Wooden Classic logo 2010-11 - web.jpg
Honda Center, the host venue for the 2011 Big West Basketball Tournament, today announced the 17th annual John R. Wooden Classic field that includes Long Beach State as one of four participating schools.
The game matchups for the one-day men's basketball doubleheader on Saturday, December 18th will feature UCLA versus BYU and Saint Mary's versus Long Beach State. It is the first appearance by a Big West school since the event's inception in 1994.
The Wooden Classic honors the legendary UCLA coach and humanitarian John Wooden, who passed away from natural causes on June 4, 2010 at the age of 99. The Bruins will be making their 15th appearance in the 17-year history of the doubleheader.
"The Wooden family is proud to continue the Wooden Classic in honor of our father, grandfather and great grandfather," said Jim Wooden and Nancy Muehlhausen, son and daughter of the event's namesake. "We are so pleased the event will continue to celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind."
Charitable event details and game tipoff times will be announced at a later date. Priority tickets are now available and can be found at www.woodenclassic.com.
The Wooden Classic is one of three events this season involving Honda Center and the Big West Conference. In addition to staging the Big West Basketball Tournament for the first time, Honda Center is also the host site for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball West Regional on March 24 & 26, 2011.
For a link to the full Honda Center announcement on this year's Wooden Classic, please click here.