The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team will compete in the 2024 ESPN Events Invitational, Nov. 28-29, at State Farm Field House (ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex) in Kissimmee, Fla. The ESPN Events Invitational field includes Minnesota, Florida, Wake Forest and Wichita State. Game matchups, times and television information will follow at a later date.
The 2024 tournament will mark Minnesota’s third time in Orlando for a nonconference tournament and the first since 2011. Now known as the ESPN Events Invitational, the Gophers played in the previously-named Old Spice Classic in 2011 and in 2006. In head coach Ben Johnson’s third year, the Golden Gophers held a 19-15 overall record in the 2023-24 season, one of the best turnaround seasons among Power 6 teams. Minnesota finished as the No. 9 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, a five-seed improvement from the 2022-23 season. Minnesota reached the second round of the 2024 NIT, producing that 10-win turnaround.
Florida (SEC) reached the NCAA Tournament last season. The Gators played in the ESPN Events Invitational in 2016. Florida is coming off its highest win total (24-12) in seven years and set a program scoring record at 85.6 points per game.
Wake Forest (ACC) has won 10 or more ACC games in three consecutive seasons for the first time since 2005-2007. The Demon Deacons have won at least 20 games overall in two of the last three seasons, and advanced to the second round of the 2023 NIT. Wake Forest previously played in the Orlando event in 2011.
Wichita State (American Athletic) also played in the ESPN Events Invitational in 2008 and 2015. Head coach Paul Mills begins his second season after leading the Shockers to a pair of wins in the 2023 AAC Tournament.
(info courtesy of Gopher Sports)