The past two national champions, the UCLA Bruins and UConn Huskies, are both set to light up the third annual Coretta Scott King Classic this year, making this event an absolute must-watch for college basketball fans. Get ready because these two powerhouse programs are bringing serious heat to the court.
Championship Showdowns and a Powerful Legacy
This year’s Classic is kicking off on January 18th with a massive opener: the UCLA Bruins, who just bagged the NCAA title last season, are squaring off against the Oklahoma Sooners. Talk about a heavyweight bout right out of the gate! Then, in the second game, the 2025 champion UConn Huskies are set to clash with the Seton Hall Pirates in what promises to be a fiery Big East matchup. These games, played in Newark, New Jersey, are going to be nationally televised on FOX, so you know the stage is set for some incredible basketball. Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Coretta Scott King and CEO of The King Center, put it perfectly, saying the Classic continues to bring her family’s enduring legacy “into spaces where young people can see, experience, and embody the values my mother held so deeply.” She said the event celebrates excellence and encourages the next generation to “lead with courage, purpose, and a commitment to community,” which is just an incredible mission to blend with top-tier college hoops.
Coaches Ready to Battle and a Familiar Floor
This isn’t UCLA’s first rodeo at the Coretta Scott King Classic; it’s their second time in three seasons in the doubleheader, having played in the inaugural event against the Baylor Bears two years ago. For Bruins coach Cori Close, it’s clearly a big deal. She shared that the team is “proud to return to the Coretta Scott King Classic this season,” calling it “such a blessing to be part of an amazing event that honors the legacy of the King family and brings us together through sport.” Close also made it clear that they “always look to compete against excellent competition, and we know Oklahoma will bring out the best in us.” And hey, the timing actually works out great for UCLA, who will hit the road later that week to face Big Ten opponents Rutgers and Maryland. For UConn and Seton Hall, this Newark court won’t be unfamiliar territory. They actually played each other there back in 2010.
So mark your calendars for January 18th. With two recent national champions headlining and meaningful matchups on the docket, the Coretta Scott King Classic is gearing up to be a true highlight on the college basketball calendar. You don’t want to miss it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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