NCAA Basketball: 2018 Gildan Charleston Classic preview and predictions
The 2018 Gildan Charleston Classic has quite the rich history since its inception in 2008. This year, the classic boasts another competitive field.
The Gildan Charleston Classic is entering its 11th year in 2018 as one of ESPN’s premier preseason tournaments during the month of November. It should be an action-packed one as five of this year’s eight participants were NCAA Tournament teams last season.
This year’s tournament will be played from Nov. 15, 16 and 18 at the TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina. The Alabama Crimson Tide, Davidson Wildcats, Virginia Tech Hokies, Purdue Boilermakers and Wichita State Shockers headline the tournament while being joined by the Northeastern Huskies, Appalachian State Mountaineers and Ball State Cardinals.
Last year, the Temple Owls defeated the Clemson Tigers in the finals of the Gildan Classic. Temple forward Obi Enechionyia took home the tournament MVP award after he put up 12 points and six rebounds in the championship game.
There are two teams ranked (Purdue and Virginia Tech) in the AP Poll Top 25 rankings in this year’s tournament. The Hokies are ranked No. 16 while the Boilermakers are No. 23. Both are on a collision course to face off in the championship game in this year’s bracket. The road won’t be easy for them to get to the championship game looking at the matchups.
Three Power 5 teams and two mid-major programs that are usually tough come March are prepared. The Gildan Classic is set to kick off this Thursday, here’s a look at this year’s field.