Claflin Panthers to participate in Trinidad & Tobago Hoops Classic

Claflin University Panthers Men's Basketball Team

Months before receiving official notice of its inclusion in NCAA Division II, the Claflin University men’s basketball team was gaining international attention.

On the strength of their HBCU-best 24-2 record last season, the Claflin University men’s basketball team has been invited to participate in the inaugural Trinidad and Tobago Hoops Classic, Aug. 14-16, which will be broadcast live on the twin islands.

“We believe that the tournament is a great catalyst for developing the game in Trinidad and Tobago,” said Brian Manning, president of the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago, the tournament’s sponsor. “Obviously with (Claflin’s) support, the tournament will provide our basketball fraternity with the necessary international blend for this inaugural event.”

The four-team, two-game format tournament with an All-Star game will be played in the state-of-the-art basketball facility at The University of the West Indies at St. Augustine. Delaware State University’s men’s team has also been invited from the United States. The two teams (Claflin and Delaware State) will be pitted against two local All-Star teams featuring the best players from Trinidad and Tobago.

Panthers Coach Ron Woodard and Assistant Coach Terrence Jenkins

“We are going there to win,” Coach Ron Woodard said. “The special thing about this team is their willingness to stay focused and prepared. At the same time, this is a great opportunity for international exposure for our guys and to get revved up for the upcoming season. We are honored to be chosen to participate in the inaugural Trinidad and Tobago Hoops Classic. That means a lot and says a lot about the caliber of our basketball program.”

According to the tournament overview, the Hoops Classic was designed to provide its participants with “an unforgettable experience of top-class quality basketball,” and high energy entertainment featuring top local artists and dancers in a carnival-like atmosphere. A welcome reception, closing ceremony, site seeing tours and beach outing are among the activities planned for the basketball team.

The National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago governs basketball there and is charged with overseeing the sport at all levels. The tournament, also being held in collaboration with the University of West Indies Sport and Physical Education Department, will be held annually with the goal of exposing some of the best local talent to top NCAA programs in the United States.

As is commonplace at Claflin University, as well as its new conference, the NCAA Division II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the members of the basketball team will also participate in community service activities while on the island, including a youth basketball clinic. They will promote the sport of basketball and expose the people of Trinidad and Tobago to NCAA Division II level of play. The team members will also give pointers on integrating academics and sports.

“They are trying to grow the sport of basketball there and we are humbled that we have been asked to help them achieve that goal by being invited to participate in the inaugural tournament,” Coach Woodard said. “We will be playing against some of the best athletes in Trinidad and Tobago. At the same time, they will get a chance to see what it takes to achieve success in basketball – our guys have to be focused, structured and know how to balance academics and athletics. It’s not as easy as going on the court and shooting a basketball.”

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago boasts oil industries, Carnival – described as the greatest street parade in the world, beautiful beaches and wildlife adventure. The favorite sport of Trinbagonians is cricket. Soccer, or football, is also popular as well as rugby, volleyball, running, triathlons, hockey and golf.

“Basketball is contagious,” Coach Woodard said. “Once you start loving it, it’s very hard to stop.”

Basketball Schedule
1st Round: Thursday, August 14
Claflin vs. TT team 1 – 6 p.m.
Delaware State vs. TT team 2 – 8 p.m.

2nd Round: Friday, Aug. 15
Delaware State vs. TT team 1 – 6 p.m.
Claflin vs. TT team 2 – 8 p.m.

3rd Round: Saturday, Aug. 16
All Star Game
Visitors vs. TT – 6 p.m.

Trophies will be awarded for Tournament MVP, Best Offensive Player and Best Defensive Player.