It’s the time of year once again. Between the holiday hustle and bustle that naturally comes with this season, so does another reason for celebration as the Big 5 Classic returns Saturday, Dec. 6.
This battle for Philly basketball supremacy is set for its third year of the new series format, which determines the Big 5 champion among the six Philadelphia-area men’s teams — Drexel, La Salle, Penn, Saint Joseph’s, Temple and Villanova.
All three matchups will take place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, home of the Philadelphia 76ers, and be featured on NBC Sports Philadelphia at 2, 4:30, and 7:30 p.m. EST, though the exact times are subject to change.
The final format is not yet set, as there is one final preliminary game to be played on Sunday, Dec. 1, between Temple and Villanova. The winner of that game will meet Penn in the championship matchup.
For all six teams participating, there is a fair amount of excitement for the eventful day. Much of that stems from the rich history these teams share, while some can also be attributed to how long-awaited this format was, specifically on such a grand stage and in such a celebrated manner.
“I think that even when I interviewed for the job, there were rumors and rumblings of Drexel joining Big 5,” Drexel head coach Zach Spiker said. “It's taken some time, but we're very happy that it's official and honored to be a part of such a prestigious group. Anytime you have a chance to participate in an event like this, you do it, and we're thrilled to be a part of it.”
Comcast Spectacor Vice President and General Manager Mike Sulkes confirmed the lengthy process, acknowledging that all parties were determined to realise their vision to its fullest potential; something those involved are confident they have achieved.
“We've been discussing potentially doing something like this for over a decade, and for various reasons, it never came together until a few years ago," Sulkes explained. "It was an arduous process, but it was one of building relationships with all the schools, the athletic directors, the coaches. Building trust that we were the right group to help grow this thing and grow it and put the Big 5 back in its rightful place in the Philadelphia sports landscape.
“A lot of credit goes to all six athletic directors for being forward thinking, for being creative, for being open to change, because change is not easy, especially in the college athletics world right now, it's really kind of a seminal moment of a lot of change.”
While much has changed with the new format, the honor of winning the Big 5 Championship remains as a point of pride among these six schools. St. Joe's has secured the honor in each of the first two years of the Championship under the new Big 5 Classic format, but this year, a new winner will be crowned, as Penn will compete against Temple or Villanova — depending on which of the latter teams comes out on top in their upcoming matchup on Dec. 1 — for the title of Big 5 Champion.
“Being the Big 5 champion is something that you always have, and it means a lot," Sulkes expressed. "Last year, we had a reception, and there were a lot of Big 5 alumni there, and you still heard them bragging about their Big 5 Championship from 30 years ago. You're really creating these special moments for these student athletes.
“It feels bigger than a lot of what we do, and we feel like we have an obligation to the schools, to the community, to make this event special. From the first year to the second, now, this being the third year, to see the growth in it and to see the buzz around it, it's so exciting. And I couldn't be more excited for that first Saturday in December, it's going to be great.”
As exciting as the previous two years of the Big 5 Classic have been, this year is set up for even further success, with arguably a brighter future than ever, thanks to the resolution regarding the Philadelphia 76ers' future stadium plans. Talks of leaving the Stadium District are now a thing of the past, and the connection between the team and Comcast Spectacor is even stronger than before, allowing the continued use of an NBA court and affirming the Sixers' continued support.
“It definitely adds a level of excitement that this is here to stay," Sulkes said. "And the Philadelphia 76ers are fully supportive of this event. They love it because, obviously, they're stewards of basketball in this town, obviously being the professional franchise. They know the importance of this event, and not just this event, but the Big 5, and what the Big 5 means to Philadelphia and to Philadelphia basketball.
“Philadelphia basketball, what makes it special is its the history of the 76ers. It's the history of the Big 5. It's the history of the great high school leagues and Philadelphia youth basketball. It is so deep here in this community. And now that [the stadium conversation] is settled with the 76ers, and they're on board and they're supportive, it's absolutely is going to help the growth of this event moving forward because we're all aligned, and we all want this thing to grow and to be special and to be around forever.”
The Big 5 Classic returns on Saturday, Dec. 6, promising another exciting year of festivities and the crowning of a first-time champion under this new format. For tickets or more information, visit xfinitymobilearena.com.
