Gamecocks to Play in Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic
COLUMBIA, S.C. – 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Champion South Carolina will play an exhibition against Memphis as part of the inaugural Hoops for St. Jude® Tip Off Classic. Organized by Complete Sports Management, the preseason doubleheader, which includes Memphis hosting North Carolina on the men’s side, will bring together basketball powerhouses in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® on Tue., Oct. 15, at FedEx Forum. The Gamecocks will play at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+
“The Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off classic is a powerful example of what can be achieved when sports, compassion, and a shared commitment come together,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “This event isn’t just about what happens on the court – it’s about rallying teams, fans and entire communities to support the lifesaving research and treatment happening at St. Jude. We are deeply inspired by and grateful to the University of Memphis, the University of North Carolina and the University of South Carolina for championing this cause and helping move closer to a world where no child suffers from cancer.”
Tickets for this first-of-its-kind event go on sale Sat., Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. on TicketMaster and the FedEx Forum Box Office with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting St. Jude. Fans can also support their team by donating directly to St. Jude Oct. 1-19 via Tiltify.
“CSM is honored to partner with St. Jude for this great cause,” said Lea Miller-Tooley, CEO of Complete Sports Management. “To bring together these great college basketball programs and showcase St. Jude across the world through the lens of ESPN is truly a privilege.”
Three-time National Champion South Carolina enters the 2024-25 season after losing just one player from its 2023-24 undefeated team. The nine returning letterwinners include nine who averaged at least 15 minutes per game, highlighted by three All-SEC Second Team selections. The veteran group welcomes four newcomers in a junior transfer, a redshirt freshman and the Nos. 3 and 14 signees in the Class of 2024.
Memphis’ women’s team comes off a 13-17 season that included a 9-9 record in the American Athletic Conference in head coach Alex Simmons’ debut season at the helm. The Tigers return AAC All-Newcomer Team selection Alasia Smith whose 9.8 points per game were second on the team and who led the team in rebounding (9.5 rpg), steals (66) and blocks (38). She joins six other returning letterwinners for the 2024-25 campaign.
For information on season tickets, visit https://thegamecockclub.com/wbb/.
Continue to check GamecocksOnline.com and the team’s social media accounts (@GamecockWBB) for the most up-to-date information on the women’s basketball season.
