It’s tough to even think about Syracuse basketball and hoops in general, given the devastating wildfires on Maui last month, but a media report says the 2023 Maui Jim Maui Invitational is set to move to Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
Seth Davis of The Messenger, citing sources, reported on Tuesday that leaders of the Maui Invitational are working to finalize a deal that would this prestigious event to the University of Hawaii’s SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center.
Davis wrote that “an official announcement could be made by the end of the week,” assuming a deal is completed to make the move.
The Orange is one of eight teams expected to compete in the loaded 2023 Maui Invitational, which was to take place right before the Thanksgiving holiday from November 20 to November 22 at the Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii.
Syracuse basketball is set to play in the 2023 Maui Invitational.
More important than basketball, we continue to send love and prayers to the people on Maui. Last month’s wildfires have resulted in more than 100 deaths, according to reports, along with extensive damage to the beautiful town of Lahaina on Maui.
Davis said that the Lahaina Civic Center was not damaged by the wildfires, “but it is being utilized to help coordinate relief efforts headed by FEMA and other organizations. Extensive damage to local infrastructure also precluded the tournament from being played on Maui.”
A few days ago, a press release stated that the Maui Invitational had launched the Hoops for ‘Ohana online auction to raise money for the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. Donna Ditota of Syracuse.com noted in a recent article that SU Athletics has provided various items for the online auction.
The field for this season’s Maui Invitational consists of Syracuse basketball, Gonzaga, Kansas, Marquette, Purdue, Tennessee, UCLA and Chaminade.
In late July, several announcements said that in its opening game of this annual preseason tournament, the ‘Cuse would square off against Tennessee out of the Southeastern Conference.
Also on the same side of the Orange’s bracket is a match-up between Purdue and Gonzaga. On the other side of the event’s bracket, Kansas was to play Chaminade, while UCLA would face Marquette.
It’s encouraging to hear that the 2023 Maui Invitational is planning to carry on, however, let’s continue to keep our friends on Maui in our thoughts.