Drake and Belmont Headed to Paradise Jam 2022

Editor: The following is part of a press release from basketballtravelers.com.

Bulldogs and Bruins Play at Paradise Jam 2022

(ST. THOMAS, U.S.V.I.) – Tournament officials have announced the field for the 2022 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam 2022 men’s and women’s Division I college basketball tournament in St. Thomas. The 23rd edition of the event will tip-off November 18-21, 2022 with the men’s event, followed by the women’s event from November 24-26, 2022 with all games taking place at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center, and streamed on ESPN3.

In the 2022 men’s event will be Belmont, Boston College, Buffalo, Drake, George Mason, Howard, Weber State, and Wyoming. Boston College (2003, 2009), Drake (2011, 2017), George Mason (2012), and Weber State (2014) will be returning to the islands for the event. Belmont, George Mason, and Howard also participated in the 2020 DC Paradise Jam in Washington DC, after the event was forced to temporarily relocate due to COVID-19.

“We can’t wait for another year in the islands, with a fantastic field of teams taking the court in the beautiful St. Thomas,” said Paradise Jam Executive Director Nels Hawkinson. “With over half of the men’s and women’s teams being repeat-participants, it shows the impression this event and the territory leave on every team that plays in this 23-year-old tournament.”

(Hear our interview with Mr. Hawkinson)

This is the second time the event will be streamed on ESPN3 from the islands, after a successful 2021 tournament. Brackets will be announced later this year following the release of the final NET rankings, which will determine seeding and matchups.

Fan packages will also be sold later in the year, presenting the opportunity for fans to follow their favorite team to paradise. To keep up with news and updates on the 2022 event, be sure to follow the Paradise Jam on social media and check out www.paradisejam.com.

Editor: This is the second straight year that two, Missouri Valley Conference teams will participate Paradise Jam.