Illinois to Play in 2014 Jimmy V Men’s Classic

The Illinois men’s basketball team will play Villanova in the 2014 Jimmy V Men’s Classic on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The teams will square off in the firstgame of a doubleheader at 7 p.m. ET from New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden. ESPN will televise both games, which also includes Indiana vs. Louisville at 9 p.m. Illinois replaces Maryland – which due to scheduling issues – will now play in the 2016 Jimmy V Classic.

The Fighting Illini returns all five starters and a total of nine letterwinners from last year’s club that won 20 games and advanced to the NIT Second Round. The Fighting Illini also posted a 7-11 record in a deep Big Ten Conference. Highlighting the returnees are seniors Ravyonte Rice, Tracy Abrams and Nnanna Egwu.

“Illinois is a great addition to the 2014 Jimmy V Men’s Classic doubleheader,” said Nick Dawson, ESPN senior director, programming and acquisitions. “Their matchup against Villanova, followed by Indiana facing Louisville, provides the event two elite level games that will also drive tremendous awareness to The V Foundation and the mission to beat cancer.  We are also happy to have Maryland in the 2016 Jimmy V Classic.”

The early-season event will conclude the eighth annual Jimmy V Week, a weeklong initiative across multiple ESPN platforms and programs featuring special content to help raise funds for cancer research. In seven years, Jimmy V Week has generated $8,246,000 in total contributions for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, including a record-setting number of $1,827,000 in 2013.

Tickets for the Jimmy V Classic will go on sale at a later date this fall.  Ticket prices range from $15-$275 and will be available for purchase at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, Ticketmaster charge by phone at (866) 858-0008 and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

About The V Foundation
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $115 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses.  The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.