Cayman Islands Classic 2025
Men’s Tournament – November 23-25, 2025
McNeese, which advanced to the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, headlines the tournament field for the 2025 Cayman Islands Classic. George Washington, Middle Tennessee, and Murray State also will play in the seventh edition of the tournament hosted by Caymax Sports Ltd. The event will take place Nov. 23-25 at John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman, just minutes from the world-famous Seven Mile Beach.
McNeese will face George Washington in the tournament’s opening game at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, followed by Murray State against Middle Tennessee at 7:30 p.m.
MTSU will play George Washington in the first game Monday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m., with McNeese tangling with Murray State at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday’s matchups features MTSU against McNeese at 5 p.m. and George Washington meeting Murray State at 7:30 p.m.
First-year coach Bill Armstrong inherits a McNeese team that posted a 28–7 record last season while earning the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win with a 69–67 victory over Clemson in the first round. The Cowboys have swept the last two Southland Conference regular-season and tournament championships.
Middle Tennessee had a 22–12 record in 2024-25, advancing to the National Invitation Tournament under head coach Nick McDevitt. Chris Caputo returns for his third year as head coach at George Washington which plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Ryan Miller enters his first year as head coach at Murray State looking to improve on the team’s 16–17 record from last year.
“We’re excited to welcome these outstanding programs to this year’s Cayman Islands Classic,” said Joe Wright, owner and chief executive officer of Caymax Sports Ltd. “They’re in for a first-class experience — both on the court and in the beautiful Cayman Islands. It’s going to be a special week of competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories for teams and fans alike.”
Women’s Tournament – November 28-29, 2025
Eight schools, including five teams from some of the nation’s top power five conferences, will comprise the field for the 2025 Cayman Islands Classic women’s basketball tournament.
Florida, Georgia Tech and Oklahoma State, which played in postseason tournaments last year, head the list of teams which will play in the third edition of the tournament hosted by Caymax Sports Ltd.
Charlotte, George Washington, Memphis, Miami, and St. John’s round out a strong and competitive field — each with the experience and depth to make a statement early in the season. The tournament will take place Nov. 28-29 at John Gray Gymnasium in George Town, Grand Cayman—just minutes from the world-famous Seven Mile Beach.
“As we head into year three of the Women’s Cayman Islands Classic, we’re proud to welcome eight of the top programs in the nation,” said Joe Wright, owner and CEO of Caymax Sports Ltd. “This year’s field is stacked with elite talent and experienced coaches, setting the stage for intense, high-level competition. Combining great basketball with the stunning beauty of the Cayman Islands, teams and fans can expect an unforgettable experience on and off the court.”
Oklahoma State posted a 25-7 record last season, advancing to the NCAA Tournament while being ranked No. 22 in the final USA Today Sports Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll. The Cowgirls, under the guidance of coach Jacie Hoyt, went 14-4 to finish third in the Big 12 Conference last season.
Georgia Tech also played in the 2025 NCAA Tournament en route to a 22-11 record. Florida had a 19-18 mark last season, while advancing to the semifinal round of the WBIT.
First-year coach Karen Blair inherits a Georgia Tech team that also played in the 2025 NCAA Tournament en route to a 22-11 record.
Florida, under fifth-year head coach Kelly Rae Finley, looks to ride the momentum from last season when it had a 19-18 mark last season capped by advancing to the semifinal round of the WBIT.
Joe Tartamella has led St. John’s to five 20-plus victory campaigns during his coaching tenure at the Big East Conference school. Tricia Cullop, two-time past president of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), enters her second year as head coach at Miami. Ganiyat Adeduntan is in her first year as head coach at George Washington which plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Charlotte and Memphis compete in the American Athletic Conference.
“As a former head coach, I know how important early-season competition is — and this year’s Cayman Islands Classic is among the most competitive tournaments in the country, featuring an impressive lineup of elite coaches and talented players,” stated executive tournament director Lisa Stockton. “We’ve brought together a strong field with both power conference teams and top mid-major programs, setting the stage for an exceptional tournament. With high-level talent and experienced coaches across the board, basketball fans can look forward to intense competition.”