Portland to Play in 76 Anaheim Classic Next Season

I thought you would enjoy this scoop.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/game-burton-games-2240411-wake-year

2009 Classic: The eight-team field for next year's 76 Classic hasn't been announced yet by ESPN, but UCLA has accepted an invitation to represent the Pac-10, along with Long Beach State from the Big West and Portland from the West Coast Conference.

The other five teams in the event's third year will be Texas A&M (Big 12), Minnesota (Big Ten), Clemson (ACC), West Virginia (Big East) and Butler (Horizon).

Wish us some Gaelic luck this week.

Good luck. Tough field, but UTEP is a good early draw.

That may be a good step in the right direction for the Pilots as they progressively improve their game. By then the bulk of the team will be Juniors & Seniors needing a tournament setting atmosphere if their going to accomplish what should be done next year.Joel Sobodaka is doing his job scheduling,although I still think he should schedule a scrimmage with another team next year along with exhibition.

I LOVED the Fresno State Tourney last year. Plus old Mesa may be able to drive to Anaheim,(Even without a GPS).If not, hopefully the games will once again be broadcast on ESPN!!!

A sidelight pertaining to Fresno State. My Play of Year so far was that freshman from Fresno State "Posterising" Kramers H.S. teamate Mickey McConnell of the Gaels on that dunk. Did you see that on Sportscenter highlights Stonehouse,others? Oh poor Mickey, even Jerryd Bayless(Blazer's) didn't do that to him when they played each other in H.S. . I bet Mickey got a text message from Portland after that game.


MesaPilot1

Thanks for looking out, MJ! Definitely cool to be in a tournament like that. And good luck to the Gaels... would be great to see you guys pick up some good Ws.

As for that dunk Mesa... that was AMAZING:



There is a WCC connection there too... Paul George originally committed to Santa Clara, then switched and signed his LOI to Pepperdine, and then after Walberg left he ended up at Fresno State.

After watching it again... the best part is poor Micky trying to get up the first time and stumbling.

That is a tough field. I guess UCLA will be losing Josh Shipp and their point guard to the draft most likely. I hope we get a favorable draw. In any case, it's a great experience. Gonzaga's in the Old Spice tourney, and we need to get involved in one too to move up and gain some respect...

GO PILOTS!

I would love to see us get matched up against Butler...two mid-major teams on the rise.

and the official announcement--


http://www.portlandpilots.com/news/2008/11/27/MBB_1127085057.aspx