The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced Jerry Colangelo’s Hall of Fame Series Phoenix event on Wednesday, June 21. The series is scheduled for Wednesday, December 20, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Among the matchups lined up for that day, the Arizona men’s and women’s basketball teams will go head-to-head against formidable opponents: the University of Alabama and Gonzaga University, respectively.
Jerry Colangelo’s Hall of Fame Phoenix poses to be an exciting day for men’s basketball fans across Arizona. The Wildcats, known for their passionate fans and strong alumni network in the Phoenix area, eagerly anticipate showcasing their skills at the Footprint Center. The matchup against a top-tier team like Alabama serves as a fitting finale to their non-conference schedule, providing valuable preparation for the challenging Pac-12 schedule that follows the holiday season.
Arizona men’s basketball head coach Tommy Lloyd claps after the team scored two points against USC on Saturday, Feb. 5, in McKale Center. The Wildcats won the game 63-72.
(Jackie Cabrera)Adding to the excitement, the Arizona women’s basketball team will also participate in the daylong event, facing off against Gonzaga at the Footprint Center. This matchup holds special significance for Arizona women’s basketball head coach Adia Barnes, who has long sought to include this game in the team’s schedule. Despite previous postponements due to pandemic-related disruptions, the game between Arizona and Gonzaga will finally take place on December 20, 2023.
As Barnes expressed her enthusiasm for the tournament, she emphasized the significance of marquee games and increased recognition on the West Coast. The Arizona-Gonzaga showdown promises to captivate audiences with exceptional basketball talent, while also aligning with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s commitment to promoting the sport.
The Wildcats’ involvement in the Jerry Colangelo Hall of Fame Series extends beyond their matchups against Alabama and Gonzaga. This prestigious series comprises five tournaments across the United States and Canada, featuring a total of 10 women’s and 20 men’s teams. The Arizona men’s team, bolstered by the addition of former Alabama guard Jaden Bradley, eagerly anticipates the opportunity to face a premier program early in Bradley‘s sophomore season.
The Jerry Colangelo Hall of Fame Series in Phoenix will not only showcase the Arizona men’s and women’s teams, but will also feature the ASU women’s team competing against California State University, Fresno and the ASU men’s team taking on Northwestern University. With a full day of basketball action, the event is expected to draw immense excitement and fervor from fans.
With a rich history of success in non-conference games played in Phoenix, the Arizona men’s and women’s basketball teams are poised to deliver a memorable performance in Jerry Colangelo’s Hall of Fame Series.
The stage is set for a remarkable day of basketball as the Wildcats aim to etch their names in the annals of collegiate basketball greatness in December.
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