Philadelphia Big 5 Basketball Announces 4 Major Updates
Big 5 Basketball made four announcements at a press conference at the Finneran Pavilion at Villanova University on Thursday. The expansion to the new format and changes on the women’s basketball side will continue the modernization of a beloved Philadelphia tradition.
Big 5 Classic: Men’s And Women’s Basketball
The Palestra will always be the home of the Big 5. However, the inaugural Big 5 Classic at the Wells Fargo Center renewed excitement for the annual men’s basketball round robin in 2023.
Saint Joe’s became the first winner under the new format when they defeated Temple in the 1-2 matchup. LaSalle edged Penn in the 3-4 game, and Drexel beat Villanova in the 5-6 matchup.
Related Content: The Inaugural Big 5 Classic: Everything You Need To Know
Villanova Athletic Director Mark Jackson spoke about how the success of the new format encouraged the renewal for three more years and the expansion to the women’s side.
The second annual Men’s Big 5 Classic will take place on Saturday, December 7 at the Wells Fargo Center. The six women’s teams will play their inaugural Big 5 Classic at Finneran Pavilion on Friday, December 6.
The addition of Drexel to the Women’s Big 5 rounds out the former “City 6” under a name too iconic in Philadelphia to drop.
“We’re going to keep it the Big 5. All these college things around the country, they don’t care how many teams are in it. They still call it by the original name. This will always be the Big 5 with six very important members.” -Dan Hilferty
Dan Hilferty: Big 5 Ambassador
Dan Hilferty became the CEO/Chairman of Comcast Spectacor in February 2023. He’s taken initiative in the “New Era of Orange” with the Flyers and proposed massive changes to the Philadelphia Sports Complex.
His work also includes the preservation and renewal of a local tradition unlike any other.
“We are all deeply committed to preserving the legacy and traditions of the Big 5. We want to, once again, be beloved and an energetic part of the Philadelphia sports scene.” -Hilferty
The former Independence Blue Cross executive has built a glowing reputation in all corners of the Philadelphia area. His work in the Catholic and Jesuit communities has entrenched him into the alumni network at his alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University.
“The partnerships with the six schools, the positive response from fans, and the support of the city encouraged us to move forward with everything we’re sharing today… As an ambassador to the Big 5, I look forward to tapping into the alumni network, business community, and beyond to continue building excitement for the entire Big 5.” -Hilferty
Changes On The Women’s Side
Saint Joe’s women’s head coach Cindy Griffin spoke about the growth of the women’s game in recent seasons and an opportunity to continue the proud legacy of past generations of Women’s Big 5 basketball.
She revisited history by pulling a cowbell out to cheer on the announcement and then tossed a streamer into the crowd.
Drexel Athletic Director Maisha Kelly complemented the unmatched “support, collaboration, and uniqueness” of Big 5 Basketball in Philadelphia.
Ray Dunne of 97.5 The Fanatic shared his enthusiasm for one of the highlights of his upcoming season as the Temple women’s play-by-play announcer.
“I’m thrilled that they’re doing this. It was really cool to see the success the event had on the men’s side last year, and with how good these women’s programs are in Philly, I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.” -Ray Dunne
Big 5 games at the Palestra hadn’t drawn their best crowds in the years leading up to the move to the Wells Fargo Center in 2023. The continued expansion of the six-team format provides reason for optimism in continuing and advancing the passion that’s characterized college basketball in Philadelphia through generations.
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