By Keon Edington / The Jambar
The Youngstown State University men’s basketball team will partake in the annual Jacksonville Classic on Nov. 23-24, facing off against the University of North Carolina at Greensboro on Day One and Georgia Southern University on Day Two.
The tournament will showcase 10 Division I teams across different conferences:
- Youngstown State — Horizon League
- Georgia Southern — Sun Belt Conference
- UNC Greensboro — Southern Conference
- Abilene Christian University — Western Athletic Conference
- University of Delaware — Conference USA
- Southern Illinois University — Missouri Valley Conference
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — American Conference
- University of Texas at El Paso — Conference USA
- University of Texas at San Antonio — American Conference
- William & Mary — Coastal Athletic Association
The classic will host its fourth annual tournament, which started in 2021. Through the years, the event has featured mid-major programs such as Sam Houston State University, Loyola Marymount University and George Mason University.
Power Four conference opponents have also appeared in the tournament, including Florida State University, Southern Methodist University and University of Central Florida.
Ron Strollo, YSU vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics, said the classic showcases mid-major programs to players considering recruitment.
“Obviously, Jacksonville is a great place that you can show recruits and sometimes you’re bringing recruits home,” Strollo said.
As YSU prepares for the 2025-26 season, the tournament will help prepare the team for Horizon League play. Strollo said it’s important for the team to gain experience against nonconference competitors.
“A lot of times, it’s about who is in the tournament with you, all of your nonconference schedule you’re preparing for the Horizon League,” Strollo said. “That’s what really matters is your conference schedule and where you finish in the league and you’re seated in the tournament.”
Strollo said the tournament promotes mainstream exposure for the campus, especially since the YSU men’s basketball program recorded three-straight seasons with over 20 wins.
“It’s massive — the outreach that basketball has is significant,” Strollo said. “It’s obviously a really important program in the NCAA and on this campus.”