Paradise Jam Is Back In Charlotte Amalie November

The popular basketball festival, Paradise Jam, returns to the Virgin Islands next month.

Featuring 24 games that will all be streamed on FloHoops.com, the basketball spectacle tips off on Friday, November 16 at 2 pm, with action in the men’s competition as Oregon State Beavers face Old Dominion Monarchs. The women’s segment takes place from Thursday November 22 until Saturday November 24 with four games daily.

According to a blurb on the organization’s About page, “Since the tournament’s inception in 2000, many of the nation’s finest mens and womens teams have converged on St. Thomas to test their skills and enjoy some fun in the sun. Since 2001, the tournament has been played at the 4,000-seat UVI Sports and Fitness Center. The first year of the tournament was played at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, in anticipation of the completion of the state-of-the-art UVI facility in 2001.”

Governor Kenneth Mapp met with Executive Director of the Basketball Travelers, Nels Hawkinson, yesterday to discuss the tournament schedule for the 19th annual event which takes place November 16-24 at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas, according to Government House.

Mr. Mapp said the return of Paradise Jam was a huge boost for sports tourism as the Territory recovers from Hurricanes Irma and Maria which prevented the tournament being staged last year.

The 2018 Paradise Jam features eight alumni teams, including four past Paradise Jam champions. Four men’s teams – Eastern Kentucky, Kansas State, Northern Iowa and Old Dominion – have previously played at the event. Four women’s teams – Kentucky, Purdue, South Florida and UConn – have previously competed in the Virgin Islands tournament.

For more information about the 2018 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam and a printable bracket, please visit www.paradisejam.com.