Top-Caliber Field Announced for ESPN's 2017 Jimmy V Men's Basketball Classic

The 2017 Jimmy V Men's Basketball Classic doubleheader will be headlined by UConn, Gonzaga, Syracuse and Villanova - to be played on Tuesday, Dec. 5. The 23rd annual event will air on ESPN - pitting UConn against Syracuse and Gonzaga against Villanova - from New York City's famed Madison Square Garden. Game times will be announced at a later date.

Defending national champion Villanova is currently ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press poll (Dec. 5), followed by No. 8 Gonzaga and Syracuse, which is receiving votes. The Orange will take on UConn tonight, Monday, Dec. 5, from Madison Square Garden (ESPN, 7 p.m.). Dave O'Brien and Jay Bilas will be on the call of the game.

"We are thrilled to welcome these storied programs to the annual Jimmy V Classic," said Clint Overby, Vice President, ESPN Events. "To have Syracuse and UConn continue their long-standing rivalry, and to start a new series between Villanova and Gonzaga, will make for great basketball during such an important and meaningful Jimmy V Classic."

The early-season event will be part of the 11th annual Jimmy V Week for Cancer Research - the weeklong initiative across multiple ESPN platforms and programs featuring special content to help raise funds for cancer research. In nine years (not including 2016), Jimmy V Week has raised $13.7 million for cancer research. Tickets for the Jimmy V Men's Classic will be available for purchase on a future date, to be announced at a later time.

About The V Foundation for Cancer Research The V Foundation for Cancer Research is dedicated to declaring victory over cancer. It was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $170 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on The V Foundation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.