Georgetown to Play in PK80 College Hoops Event in 2017

Press release from Georgetown today regarding real casual Nike event that we first learned about 4 years ago:

16-Team Event Held in Honor of Phil Knight to be Played Thanksgiving Week

WASHINGTON – The Georgetown University men’s basketball team will be among 16 schools to play in the PK80, the Phil Knight Invitational, during Thanksgiving of 2017. The 16-team, early-season men’s college basketball tournament will honor the Nike co-founder and 2012 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Phil Knight in advance of his 80th birthday.

The PK80, one of the largest regular-season tournaments in college basketball history, will be held from Thursday, Nov. 23 to Saturday, Nov. 26 in Portland, Ore. at the Rose Quarter’s Moda Center and Veterans Memorial Colisuem.

In addition to the Hoyas, participating schools include Arkansas, Butler, Connecticut, Duke, Florida, Gonzaga, Michigan State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Portland, Portland State, Stanford and Texas.

“It's exciting to be a part of this tournament,” Georgetown head coach John Thompson III said. “It is a privilege to be involved in an event that honors Phil Knight. Mr. Knight has not only been pivotal figure in college athletics, but he has been a driving force in the entire sports industry. We are proud to participate in an event that celebrates him.”

Two eight-team events – consisting of three games per team – will run simultaneously in the two buildings with the crowning of two bracket champions. All games from Portland will be televised on ESPN networks.

“On behalf of the 16 schools participating in PK80, we are honored to be highlighting Mr. Knight’s contributions to college basketball,” said Clint Overby, vice president, ESPN Events. “The strength of the field coupled with the two venues in Portland set the stage for what should be an exciting weekend.”

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to host 16 of the country’s best college basketball teams while honoring a man whose influence on the game and our region is immeasurable,” said Chris Oxley, senior vice president of venue operations, Rose Quarter. “PK80 will be an incredible showcase of basketball for fans in our arenas and watching on ESPN.”

Field Highlights

* The schools have combined for 23 National Championships, more than 85 Final Fours, more than 380 NCAA Championship appearances and more than 680 NCAA Championship wins

* Ten of the 16 schools have won a NCAA title

* Nine of the past 13 National Champions are in the field

* Thirteen of the 16 schools have made at least one Final Four appearance

Ticket information and tournament bracket will be announced at a later date. PK80 was created on behalf of the schools and is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, in conjunction with the Rose Quarter.