Bearcats Will Participate In Emerald Coast Classic In 2014

Feb 6, 2013; Providence, RI, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Mick Cronin during the first half of a game against the Providence Friars at Dunkin

The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Bill Koch released some scheduling news for next year’s basketball season. The Bearcats are in-line to participate in the Emerald Coast Classic on Thanksgiving weekend.

"The Bearcats will spend Thanksgiving weekend in 2014 playing in the Emerald Coast Classic at Northwest Florida Junior College in Niceville, Fla."

The slate includes the following teams:

• Creighton
• Ole Miss
• Middle Tennessee State
• Eastern Illinois
• North Carolina Central

The Eastern Illinois and NC Central games are effectively “warm ups” at Fifth Third Arena before UC travels to Florida for the meat of the tournament. They’ll face Middle Tennessee State first then face the winner/loser of Creighton-Ole Miss if the Bearcats win or lose against the Blue Raiders.

Regardless of the outcome, this tournament adds some solid opponents to Cincinnati’s 2014-15 schedule. Creighton is a perennial New Big East championship contender and NCAA Tournament participant and Ole Miss under Andy Kennedy typically seems to be in contention for a SEC title. Plus Middle Tennessee State is a solid program out Conference-USA. So expect the Bearcats’ SOS next season to get a boost from these opponents.

The only disappointing factor about this announcement, it seems, is that UC won’t be seeing this knucklehead.

Mar 16, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Mississippi Rebels guard Marshall Henderson (22) reacts after scoring against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the semifinals of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. The Rebels beat the Commodores 64-52. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Oh well, still pretty exciting news nonetheless!