The Barclays Center announced “multi-year agreements” to host Kentucky and Maryland going forward.
On Nov. 9, Kentucky and Maryland opened the college season at the new Barclays Center, with the Wildcats winning a close one, 72-69.
Next year, the Wildcats and their five McDonald’s All-Americans will face a young Providence team Dec. 1, while Maryland will also play a game TBD.
Kentucky’s 2013 recruiting class features McDonald’s and Jordan Brand All-Americans Andrew and Aaron Harrison, Dakari Johnson, Marcus Lee and James Young. Those five will play in the Jordan Game April 13 at Barclays, too.
Providence loses only senior Vincent Council from its current roster and returns several key young players, including guards Kris Dunn and Josh Fortune, as well as junior forward Kadeem Batts, who was named the Big East Co-Most Improved Player. The Friars will add transfers Carson Desrosiers and Tyler Harris and expect to have scoring sensation Ricky Ledo eligible as well.
“We are excited to return to Barclays Center next year to play Providence,” said Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari. “This season’s game against Maryland was an NCAA Tournament environment in November. It’s a great building and a great city. We’re looking forward to being back in Brooklyn next season and beyond.”
“We’re looking forward to returning to Barclays Center,” Maryland Head Coach Mark Turgeon said. “We had a great atmosphere up there this year and Barclays Center is a first-class arena. I know our student-athletes and coaches enjoyed the experience in Brooklyn and appreciated the outstanding support our fans provided us in a great opening game. We’ll look to repeat that again.”
St. John’s, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, and Penn State will also participate in the 2nd annual Barclays Center Classic men’s basketball tournament Nov. 29-30.
Tickets for the Barclays Center Classic go on sale March 22 at www.barclayscenter.com or www.ticketmaster.com,
Photo: Maxpreps
