NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State men's basketball team will leave the contiguous United States during the 2023-24 season to compete in the 23rd annual U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam. The tournament will take place Nov. 17-20 at the University of Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas.
 
Norfolk State (MEAC) and Hampton (CAA) will represent both the Commonwealth of Virginia and HBCU's in the eight-team tournament field. The remaining competition includes one program each from the ASUN (Florida Gulf Coast), Atlantic 10 (Fordham), MAC (Kent State), Mountain West (San Jose State), MVC (Missouri State) and WAC (Abilene Christian).
 
It will mark Norfolk State's fourth appearance in the event. The Spartans made their debut at the tournament in 2005, before finishing runner-up in 2011 and competing for a third time in 2015.
 
"It is an honor to be invited to play in the Paradise Jam once again," Norfolk State head coach Robert Jones said. "This year's field features some of the top mid-majors in the country and will be extremely difficult. We look forward to competing at a high level.
 
The Spartans will open the event on Friday, Nov. 17 against Fordham at 2 p.m., the first matchup of an action-packed day. The consolation bracket will be played Saturday, Nov. 18 at 4:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., while day one winners advance to the semifinals that will be played Sunday, Nov. 19 at 6:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. The tournament will conclude on Monday, Nov. 20.
 
The 2022 Paradise Jam lived up to the hype, concluding with Drake defeating Tarleton State 71-64 in the championship game. Two teams from last year's field made the NCAA Tournament that season (Drake and Howard).
 
The Paradise Jam will feature plenty of elite competition for the Spartans, who went 4-0 at neutral-site regular season events last season. Fordham, NSU's first opponent, is coming off a 25-8 campaign, while Kent State won last year's MAC Championship.
 
Fan travel packages will be sold at a later date.