NYSportsJournalism.com - Hoops Hall Postpones Kentucky-Michigan London Game
The event was to include Marist College vs. University of Maryland-Baltimore and University of Kentucky vs. University of Michigan.
“As we navigate these unprecedented times, the Basketball Hall of Fame has remained vigilant in placing health and safety above all else,” John Doleva, president and CEO for the Basketball Hall of Fame, said via the Hall.
“Unfortunately, the unknown combination of health, safety, international travel regulations and the economic viability for all parties involved has required us to postpone this highly anticipated event at The O2. We look forward to hosting a fantastic event in 2022.”
The London game was to have aired on ESPN and ABC.
The Basketball Hall of Fame London Showcase will now take place Dec. 4, 2022 at The O2 arena and still air domestically on ESPN and ABC.
The new schedule of games for the Kentucky-Michigan series now includes: Dec. 4, 2021 Ann Arbor, Michigan (Crisler Center); Dec. 4, 2022 London (The O2 Arena); and Dec. 2, 2023 Lexington, Kentucky (Rupp Arena).
“This was a tough decision for the Hall of Fame because we all want to play this game in London," Kentucky head coach John Calipari said via social media. “But I support the group's decision in putting everyone's health concerns first and pushing a temporary pause on this.
“The good news is we're still able to play three great games with Michigan and we will still follow through on the original plan of going to London (in 2022), playing at Michigan (in 2021), and hosting the Wolverines and Juwan Howard, one of the bright young coaches in the game, at our place (in 2023).”
