Drake & Belmont Visiting Mickey

ESPN Events Invitational

Editor: The following includes information from ESPNevents.com, godrakebulldogs.com & belmontbruins.com.

The eight-team field for the 2021 ESPN Events Invitational – to be held Thursday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 28, at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports near Orlando, Fla. – will include Alabama, Belmont, Dayton, Drake, Iona, Kansas, Miami (Fla.) and North Texas.

The tournament has a new name and logo for its 14^th year, and is formerly known as the Orlando Invitational. ESPN Events owns and operates a portfolio of more than 30 collegiate sporting events, including 11 college basketball events.

Field Highlights

• Five of the eight teams in the field reached the 2021 NCAA Tournament : Alabama (Sweet 16) , Kansas and North Texas (second round), as well as Drake and Iona
• Dayton played in the 2021 National Invitation Tournament
• Three of the eight teams are ranked in the ESPN.com’s “Way Too Early Top 25:” No. 5 Kansas, No. 8 Alabama and No. 23 Belmont
• Kansas returns to the ESPN Events Invitational for the first time since winning the tournament in 2014. Dayton will be making its third appearance (2011, 2015) while Iona (2009) and Miami (2016) return for the second time

Maryland won the most recent Invitational in 2019. Previous winners include Villanova in 2018, West Virginia in 2017, Gonzaga in 2016, 2012 and 2008, Xavier in 2015, Kansas in 2014, Memphis in 2013, Dayton in 2011, Notre Dame in 2010, Florida State in 2009, NC State in 2007 and Arkansas in 2006.

The Drake Bulldogs are coming off a 26-5 season and earned their first NCAA Tournament berth in 13 years and first-ever at-large selection. The team returns a roster what includes a total of seven All-MVC award winners led by two-time MVC Coach of the Year Darian DeVries, who will be entering his fourth season at the helm of the program.

The event will take place Nov. 25-28, 2021 from HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Kissimmee, Florida. All games will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks.

“We’re tremendously excited to be in the ESPN Events Invitational,” said Belmont head coach Casey Alexander. “It is an honor to participate in such a prestigious event that will provide our program with national exposure. As is the case with ESPN Events, this is an impressive field comprised of programs that are proven winners. We look forward to having Belmont fans join us in Orlando during Thanksgiving week.”

Additional information, including travel packages, can be found on the ESPN Events Invitational web site.