Paradise Jam Has a Valley Feel

Bradley, SIU, Creighton & Niko

(St. Louis, MO) – When this season’s Paradise Jam tips off it will definitely have a Valley feel. Bradley was to scheduled to be a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands event last season, but for covid reasons did not attend. Southern Illinois is contracted for this coming November’s event. The two Missouri Valley Conference teams received permission to participate in the same multi-team event.

Joining the Braves and Salukis are former Valley member Creighton and former MVC head coach Niko Medved. This Paradise Jam will have a Valley feel.

Nels Hawkinson is the founder and Director of the Paradise Jam and has a big influence on college basketball. When college teams travel abroad, Hawkinson’s ‘Basketball Travelers Inc.’ is probably making the arrangements. He’s involved in US Basketball and has an impressive resume.

Nels currently serves on the WBCA Board of Directors, the Kay Yow Cancer Foundation, and the U.S. Virgin Islands tourism council. On the international side, Nels is the Deputy Head of Delegation for USA Team, managing teams and logistics for the World University Games and Championships (2011-2017). (paradisejam.com).

A Valley Feel

Hawkinson admits having two teams from one conference participating in this year’s tournament is unique. Bradley was unable to participate in 2020 and rather than wait several years, the Braves will join SIU in this year’s event.

 

 

The Braves and Salukis will face a solid field. Hawkinson says Creighton and Colorado are the only teams with previous history in the Virgin Islands. Collegiate programs reach out to Hawkinson and after booking some of the top teams, he then recruits teams to join the field.

While several conferences are represented, Hawkinson realizes there is a Valley feel.

 

 

Paradise Jam Creation

Hawkinson was a college basketball player and a Division 2 women’s head coach. While playing internationally with Athletes in Action, he realized he wanted to combine travel, basketball and business. After playing professionally and coaching he turned to providing travel opportunities for collegiate teams.

Hawkinson’s first event was Alaska’s ‘Top of the World’ Classic. Before that tournament was launched he turned his attention to the Virgin Islands. That first Paradise Jam had a Valley feel. The women’s event featured Southwest Missouri State scoring star, Jackie Stiles.

 

 

Hawkinson is on a mission. He hopes to promote the Virgin Islands and provide a great experience for teams and fans. While Hawkinson says great teams have been a part of the Paradise Jam, adding ESPN as a broadcast partner will help his personal mission. For the first time, in Paradise Jam history, there will be two teams from one conference. He’s excited that this year’s event will have a Valley feel.

 

 

The 63-year-old promoter says the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of America’s best kept secrets. He believes the Paradise Jam will also help boost the local economy.

 

 

During our conversation, Hawkinson told humorous stories about the early days of the Paradise Jam. That interview is available here.

The Broad Reach

Basketball Travelers Inc.’s reach is far and wide. When Division 1 teams play overseas during the offseason, Basketball Travelers is making the plans. Hawkinson’s organization serves international sports organizations. They aren’t limited to basketball.

Basketball, however is Hawkinson’s passion and the summer tours are the foundation of Basketball Travelers’ organizational strength.

 

 

The Field with a Valley Feel

 

 

 

Creighton, Colorado and Colorado State all won at least twenty games last season. While Bradley and SIU each won just 12, their injury-marred seasons do not represent their respective talent levels. The Braves opening game against Niko Medved and the 20-8 Rams will be a great early season challenge. Bryan Mullins’ challenge may be more difficult. The Salukis battle the 23-9 Colorado Buffaloes.

Each team is guaranteed three games and the Salukis and Braves would face each other only in the rare occasion that they would both win or both lose their first two games.

Many Valley teams are participating in early season MTE’s and we will evaluate the implications of each one at a later date.

Each one will have a Valley feel.

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