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Cleveland State Invited To Participate In 2020 Paradise Jam

Cleveland State Invited To Participate In 2020 Paradise Jam
Posted: Jan 31, 2020

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland State men's basketball team will participate in the 2020 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam next season, as tournament directors officially announced the field Friday, January 31.

"We are thrilled to represent Cleveland State University at the Paradise Jam next season. I would like to thank Athletic Director Scott Garrett for affording our program this opportunity to compete in this prestigious event," head coach Dennis Gates said.

Cleveland State will join Bradley, Buffalo, Colorado State, FIU, Longbeach State, St. Bonaventure and Weber State in the eight-team field that will compete November 20-23 at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas.

"This is a unique opportunity for our young men to broaden their student-athlete experience.  In addition, I am especially excited for our native Virgin Islanders, Franklyn Penn Jr. and D'Moi Hodge. The opportunity for these two young men to return home to compete in front of friends and family is very special," Gates added.

This will mark the first appearance for the Vikings in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam, and the first time since the 2015-16 season that they will be playing outside of the continental United States.

"This is a dream come true for me," British Virgin Islands native and current Cleveland State junior Franklyn Penn Jr. said. "I have watched many colleges and universities play in this tournament, and it is what inspired me to pursue my dreams of becoming a collegiate student-athlete. I can also help inspire other young kids from both the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands."

"The opportunity to play with D'Moi at Cleveland State was a blessing, but to now compete in front of family and friends back home with D'Moi and my teammates is truly a blessing. I can't wait!" stated Penn Jr.

Game times and matchups for the 2020 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam will be announced in the spring following the conclusion of the 2019-20 season.

For more information on the 21st annual tournament, visit paradisejam.com.