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BCA Classic Tips Off Tonight

Princeton, NJ (November 15, 2001) – Tonight at Haas Pavilion on the campus of the University of California-Berkeley the Black Coaches Association (BCA) Classic will serve as the beginning of the season for Cal, Eastern Washington, Princeton and St. Joe’s. Each team will play in two games, in this NCAA Certified Exempt Event.

Cal returns a young team coming off last season's NCAA tournament appearance and is expected to be a legitimate contender for the PAC-10 title. Cal’s recruiting class is highlighted by Top 25 freshman Jamal Sampson, a 6’10” center who should be an immediate force in the middle.

Princeton, the defending Ivy League champion, looks to defend its Ivy League title and make a run at the NCAA tournament. Princeton’s incoming recruiting class, rated in the Top 30 nationally, will also make an immediate impact.

St. Joe’s, ranked No. 9 by ESPN.com, is lead by the dynamic backcourt of Marvin O’Connor and Jameer Nelson, who give the Hawks their best chance at a Final Four appearance in years.

Eastern Washington senior point guard and two-year starter Jason Lewis, the team leader in steals, assists and minutes played looks to help the Eagles advance to the NCAA Tournament, a goal which they fell one game short of in 1999-00.

Tickets are still available, and can be purchased by calling the Cal box office at 1-800-GO BEARS.

The Black Coaches Association is a non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to foster the growth and development of minorities at all levels of sports, both nationally and internationally.

The BCA Classic is produced by the Gazelle Group. For more information about the BCA Classic, please visit www.bcaclassic.com or contact Tim O’Donnell at (609) 921-1300 or todonnell@gazellegroup.com.