2023 Asheville Championships Matchups Set
Asheville Championship Announces 2023 Matchups
College basketball fans are reminded that “It all starts in Asheville” as bracket is set for early-season Tournament
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 14, 2023) -- The Asheville Championship just released its bracket for the 2023 Tournament, which will take place Friday, November 10 - Sunday, November 12 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville in North Carolina. In the third year of the Tournament, Maryland will take on Davidson at 7 p.m. ET on ESPNU, followed by Clemson facing UABon ESPN+ at 9:30 p.m. ET. Both the third-place game (12:30 p.m. ET) and the championship contest (3 p.m. ET) will be televised on ESPN2 on November 12.
“With historically strong programs and passionate fan bases, this year’s Asheville Championship is going to be the best one yet,” said Dave Odom, legendary head coach and official Chair of the Asheville Championship. “From the quality on-court matchups to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the welcoming arena at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, this is truly a can't-miss event for college basketball fans looking for some early-season excitement.”
Coach Dave Odom serves as the official Chair of the Asheville Championship, in addition to his leadership role with the Maui Jim Maui Invitational. The former National Coach of the Year and three-time Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year at Wake Forest has overseen tournament relations for the Maui Jim Maui Invitational since 2009. North Carolina legend and Asheville native Coach Roy Williams is the official ambassador of the Asheville Championship.
MATCHUPS
Davidson vs. Maryland
Series History: Maryland leads the series 8-3
Last Meeting: March 15, 2007
Notes: Matt McKillop, son of legendary Davidson coach Bob McKillop, is in his second year as the head coach of the Wildcats after leading the squad to a 16-16 record during his first year at the helm. McKillop will take his alma mater to Asheville with an exciting young team that also features senior experience from team captain Grant Huffman, who averaged 10.3 points and 3.8 assists last season.
The Terps are under the direction of second-year head coach Kevin Willard, who is coming off one of the best inaugural seasons in Maryland history. A year ago, the Terrapins went 22-13 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament while ranking among the top-25 during the regular season.
Clemson vs. UAB
Series Record: UAB leads the series 2-1
Last Meeting: March 15, 2011
Notes: The ACC’s Clemson Tigers are led by head coach Brad Brownell, who is entering his 14th season at the helm. He has amassed 241 career wins at Clemson, which is the most in program history, along with eight 20-win seasons during his tenure. Senior PJ Hall led the team in scoring during the 2022-23 campaign (15.3 ppg) and returns in the post for the Tigers after withdrawing from the 2023 NBA Draft.
Andy Kennedy’s first three years in Birmingham have made UAB history as the Blazers have reached 20+ wins each season, earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament in 2022 after winning the Conference USA Championship and were the 2023 NIT Runner-up. During his tenure, the Blazers have set back-to-back single-season win records with 27 (2021-22) and 29 (2022-23) victories. Additionally, Kennedy is one of five active coaches with 20+ wins in their first three seasons at a program, joining the likes of John Calipari, Mark Few, Jamie Dixon and Thad Matta.
The Asheville Championship has earned a reputation for its down-to-the-wire finishes, with Minnesota securing the inaugural title in 2021 in a double overtime victory over Princeton, and Louisiana taking home the trophy in 2022 after defeating East Tennessee State by just four points. Fans can expect this year’s field to be no different, as these four talented teams battle it out in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For more information on the Asheville Championship or to purchase tickets to this year’s Tournament, visitashevillechampionship.com.
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Supporting partners for the tournament include Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, Explore Asheville, Champion Credit Union, Liquidlogic Kayaks, Wicked Weed Brewing, ACE, Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, Cambria Downtown Asheville, Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Asheville, Element Asheville Downtown, and Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Asheville.
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