Georgia men's basketball team makes verbal commitment to Savannah tournament in 2023

Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News
·3 min read

Georgia Bulldogs fans in Savannah likely won't have to travel far to see the men's basketball team in action in the near future.

The UGA squad has verbally committed to compete in an annual college basketball tournament at Enmarket Arena in November 2023, according to the executive director of the Savannah Sports Council.

Rob Wells said Friday that Oak View Group, which operates the arena, informed him that Georgia and Xavier, a strong national program in Cincinnati, Ohio, have verbally committed to the second annual tournament in 2023.

Georgia Bulldogs guard Kario Oquendo (3) drives against the Auburn Tigers at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens on Feb. 5, 2022. The Bulldogs have verbally committed to play in Savannah in 2023 at Enmarket Arena, according to Rob Wells of the Savannah Sports Council.
Georgia Bulldogs guard Kario Oquendo (3) drives against the Auburn Tigers at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens on Feb. 5, 2022. The Bulldogs have verbally committed to play in Savannah in 2023 at Enmarket Arena, according to Rob Wells of the Savannah Sports Council.

UGA's new coach: What Mike White sees in his first UGA basketball team and role of NIL in assembling roster

Coaches' contracts: UGA pay for Mike White, Katie Abrahamson-Henderson rises annually. Buyout, bonus details.

How much are UGA coches and athletic staff paid?: Check our full salary database

The inaugural tournament, called the Hostilo Hoops Community Classic, features women's competition on Nov. 20-23 and men's games on Nov. 24-27.

"It's really exciting," Wells said. "It's an example of the attention of the next-level events Savannah can offer thanks to Enmarket Arena and facilities like that."

Rob Wells, executive director of the Savannah Sports Council.
Rob Wells, executive director of the Savannah Sports Council.

Wells said the sports council has had conversations with at least three conferences —  including two Power 5 conferences — regarding their men's and/or women's basketball championships for seasons beyond 2022-23.

Savannah's $165 million Enmarket Arena, which officially opened in February, is attracting national touring entertainers such as musicians and comedians. Its main tenant is Savannah's first professional ice hockey team, the Ghost Pirates, an ECHL expansion franchise starting play in October.

More live sports: From college basketball tourneys to NBA and NHL games, what's in play for Enmarket Arena?

Coming attractions: Local colleges, high schools have new enticement for marquee games at Enmarket Arena

The Hostess City had previously hosted the Savannah Invitational, an NCAA Division I women's and men's tournament at the Savannah Civic Center in 2016 and '17.

The Savannah Sports Council is a sponsor of the new event operated by Oak View Group, a global advisory and development company operating arenas across the country, and Fastlane, a New York City-based marketing and communications agency.

Mike White speaks with the media after being introduced as the new Georgia men's basketball coach in Athens on March 15, 2022.
Mike White speaks with the media after being introduced as the new Georgia men's basketball coach in Athens on March 15, 2022.

Wells said the group running the event offers more resources than for the previous tournament, with the new arena seating about 9,500 for basketball and amenities including four locker rooms.

Mike White, the new head coach of the Georgia men's basketball team, has expressed interest in playing games in parts of the state outside of Athens. The Bulldogs have a neutral-site game against Notre Dame on Dec. 18 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

A spokesperson for the UGA athletic department said Friday that it had no comment at this time. If UGA does sign the contract and comes to Savannah, it could be the men's squad's first contest outside of Athens and Atlanta since playing Mercer in Macon in December 2010.

Guests make their way through security at the Enmarket Arena.
Guests make their way through security at the Enmarket Arena.

The Bulldogs men's team last played in Savannah in a game against Georgia Southern on Nov. 23, 2001. Attendance was reported at 5,500 at the Civic Center, where the Bulldogs downed the Eagles 94-73. The same teams also played in Savannah on Dec. 22, 1982, with UGA winning 57-55.

Wells said the specific dates for the November 2023 tournament will depend on the number of men's and women's teams competing and games to be scheduled.

The lineup for the 2022 tournament:

Women's teams: Fairleigh Dickinson, University of Illinois Chicago, Austin Peay, Davidson, Norfolk State, Purdue University Fort Wayne, University of Tennessee Martin and Marshall.

Men's teams: South Alabama, Evansville, Valparaiso, Mercer, Towson, Fairfield, South Dakota State, Nicholls, James Madison and Robert Morris.

Nathan Dominitz is the Sports Content Editor of the Savannah Morning News and savannahnow.com. Email him at ndominitz@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @NathanDominitz

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia Bulldogs men's basketball team verbally commits to Savannah