This week, The University of Oregon and Georgetown University’s basketball teams will square off in South Korea. Oregon is currently ranked 19th in the country but without two of their top players due to suspension from the NCAA. Georgetown’s team is not currently ranked but are historically known to be huge upset contenders. The game is taking place in Army-Garrison Humphreys Base in South Korea. The game will be aired on ESPN at a local time of 10:00 am. This game will be the 2nd annual Armed Forces Classic. Oregon is the heavy favorite coming into the game with the pre-season ranking of 21 and the current ranking of 19. Being without the top two scorers will heavily hurt the team and leave their offense in shambles. The top two scorers for Oregon, Dominic Artis and Ben Carter will not make the trip to South Korea due to NCAA violations involving the sale of shoes given for this game. Nike had given both teams shoes that were customized for the game. It is still uncertain as to how long the suspensions will last. The uniforms made by Under Amour feature complete camouflaged jerseys due to an Army base.
My own opinion on the game is that it will be a huge experience not just for the players and coaches, but for the military personal on duty in South Korea. It shows these honored men that everyone back home has not forgotten about them and we want to make sure they will be back soon. Last year’s game was played on a Air Force carrier but due to weather this years will be forced in doors.