Quakers to compete in Philly Hoop Group Classic

Penn will take part in the 5th annual Thanksgiving Weekend Philly Hoop Group Classic.

The tournament will feature schools from around the region. Big East regular season champion Pittsburgh, as well as NCAA participants James Madison and Rider are confirmed. In addition North Eastern Conference runner-up Robert Morris and fellow Big 5 member La Salle will also participate. The competition will give the Quakers early season tournament experience, preparing them for Big 5 and Ivy League games.

This will be a homecoming of sorts for Robert Morris coach Andy Toole, who captained the Ivy-champion Quakers in 2003. He's now the head coach of the Colonials.

According to Hoop Group president Rob Kennedy in a statement released today via the Hoop Group website:

“We are once again excited to welcome some of the East’s top programs to the Palestra for Thanksgiving Weekend,” said Rob Kennedy, President of the Hoop Group. “Our first 4 years have featured nationally ranked teams, memorable games and outstanding play. This year promises more of the same, highlighted by Pitt taking on Penn on Friday November 25^th.”

The tournament's preliminary games will be played from Nov. 13 - Nov. 23 at each of the participating schools, with final round games being played on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26 in the Palestra.