Florida Gators To Open Season In Veterans Classic
Written by Nick de la Torre - GatorCountry.com
The Florida Gators men’s basketball team will kick off the 2015-16 season on the road for the first time in 15 years when they travel to Annapolis to partake in the second annual Veterans Classic.
The Gators will open their season up against Navy on Friday, November 13 in the tournament that brings top teams in from around the country to celebrate Veteran’s Day.
Joining Florida in the tournament will be Navy, North Carolina and Temple.
“This event is a unique opportunity for our team not just on the court, but it’s a chance for our guys to interact with people their age who are leading a really special way of life in service to our country,” Billy Donovan said in a CBS press release. “The qualities that the Naval Academy represents – duty, honor and loyalty – are characteristics that we can all aspire to living out. I know this will be an outstanding experience to tip off our season.”
In addition to playing games, the trip will provide Florida’s student-athletes a unique opportunity to see what life is like at a Military Academy. The three schools that travel to Navy will have the opportunity to see what life is like for the Navy Midshipmen; everything from the culture and history of the Navy and Naval Academy, watch military demonstrations and see line formations in the ‘Yard.’
CBS Sports Network will provide a look at schools’ visit to the Naval Academy on “Hoops Confidential: Veterans Classic”, a planned 30-minute all-access show.
“The teams will be on our campus during the week of Veterans Day and will interact with the Brigade of Midshipmen, active members of the military and veterans,” Navy head coach Ed Dechellis said. “We have some special things planned for the three visiting teams and it will be a great night of basketball as well. CBS Sports Network has been a great partner and they do an unbelievable job with the production of the event.”
This is the second year a team from the SEC has been invited. Last year the Midshipmen hosted Michigan State, Tennessee and VCU for the first ever Veterans Classic.
