Christmas is a time for joy, giving, and basketball. For many college basketball fans, the holiday season means a plethora of exciting tournaments to watch, featuring some of the best teams and players in the country. From the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii to the bright lights of New York City, there's no shortage of thrilling matchups to get you in the holiday spirit. Here are the top 5 Christmas basketball tournaments to watch:
1. Diamond Head Classic
The Diamond Head Classic is one of the most prestigious holiday tournaments in college basketball. Held in Honolulu, Hawaii, this eight-team tournament features a mix of power conference schools and mid-majors, all vying for a championship title. With its tropical location and competitive field, the Diamond Head Classic is a must-watch for any college basketball fan.
Past participants have included schools like USC, Miami, and Northwestern, with the Trojans taking home the title in 2017. The tournament's unique location and festive atmosphere make it a standout event on the holiday basketball calendar.
Recent Winners:
- 2020: Colorado
- 2019: Houston
- 2018: TCU
- 2017: USC
2. CBS Sports Classic
The CBS Sports Classic is a two-day tournament held in Las Vegas, Nevada, featuring four of the biggest names in college basketball: Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State, and UCLA. This powerhouse event is a must-watch for any college hoops fan, with each team playing two games against the other participants.
The tournament's unique format and high-profile matchups make it a can't-miss event. In 2019, the Buckeyes took home the title, while the Tar Heels won in 2017. With the level of talent and competition on display, the CBS Sports Classic is a holiday basketball tradition you won't want to miss.
Recent Winners:
- 2020: Ohio State
- 2019: Ohio State
- 2018: Kentucky
- 2017: North Carolina
3. Holiday Hoops Classic
The Holiday Hoops Classic is a three-day tournament held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Featuring a mix of power conference schools and mid-majors, this event offers a unique blend of competitive basketball and holiday cheer.
Recent participants have included schools like UConn, St. John's, and Wagner, with the Huskies taking home the title in 2019. The tournament's festive atmosphere and exciting matchups make it a great way to spend the holiday season.
Recent Winners:
- 2020: Villanova
- 2019: UConn
- 2018: Seton Hall
- 2017: St. John's
4. Gotham Classic
The Gotham Classic is a four-team tournament held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Featuring a mix of power conference schools and local favorites, this event is a holiday tradition for college basketball fans in the Big Apple.
Recent participants have included schools like Syracuse, St. John's, and Penn State, with the Orange taking home the title in 2019. The tournament's iconic location and competitive field make it a must-watch for any college hoops fan.
Recent Winners:
- 2020: St. John's
- 2019: Syracuse
- 2018: Penn State
- 2017: St. John's
5. Battle 4 Atlantis
The Battle 4 Atlantis is a three-day tournament held in Nassau, Bahamas. Featuring a mix of power conference schools and mid-majors, this event offers a unique blend of competitive basketball and tropical scenery.
Recent participants have included schools like Gonzaga, Michigan, and Iowa State, with the Bulldogs taking home the title in 2018. The tournament's festive atmosphere and exciting matchups make it a great way to spend the holiday season.
Recent Winners:
- 2020: Michigan
- 2019: Oregon
- 2018: Gonzaga
- 2017: Villanova
Whether you're a die-hard college basketball fan or just looking for some exciting hoops to watch over the holidays, these five tournaments are sure to deliver. So grab some hot cocoa, settle in by the TV, and get ready to enjoy some thrilling basketball action.
Encourage Engagement:
We want to hear from you! Which holiday basketball tournament is your favorite to watch? Do you have a favorite team or player you're rooting for this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's get the conversation started!
FAQ Section:
What is the most prestigious holiday basketball tournament?
+The Diamond Head Classic is often considered one of the most prestigious holiday basketball tournaments, featuring a mix of power conference schools and mid-majors.
Which holiday basketball tournament is held in Hawaii?
+The Diamond Head Classic is held in Honolulu, Hawaii.
What is the format of the CBS Sports Classic?
+The CBS Sports Classic is a two-day tournament featuring four power conference schools, with each team playing two games against the other participants.