South Carolina basketball coach Dawn Staley still hasn't revealed the last game or two on her team's 2024-2025 schedule, but some details emerged on Thursday about a high-profile preseason scrimmage for the Gamecocks.
USC will head to Memphis to take on the Memphis Tigers as part of the Hoops for the St. Jude Tip-Off Classic on Tuesday, October 15th. The exhibition will take place at 9:30 PM ET and will be played inside FedEx Forum, home of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies. The game will be streamable on ESPN+ on the ESPN app. Prior to the Gamecocks and Tigers, the Memphis men's basketball team will play an exhibition against the North Carolina Tar Heels at 7:00 PM ET on ESPNU and the ESPN app.
The exhibition had been revealed earlier this offseason, but Thursday's announcement was the first detailed report of all the logistics of the event.
The exhibition will serve as a nice tune-up for the Gamecocks as they get ready to begin their "Repeat Tour" as they fight to win a fourth National Championship. Memphis didn't have a great season last year, but the scrimmage will provide Carolina with the opportunity to play against someone other than themselves and the HighlightHers (if you know, you know).
However, playing against Memphis this October is about more than just basketball. The Hoops for St. Jude Tip-Off Classic will be an opportunity to raise money and support for St. Jude Children's Hospital and the treatment and research the hospital does on a year-round basis. Complete Sports Management is organizing the event, and 100% of proceeds from ticket sales will go to St. Jude.
The cause is one close to Coach Staley, who was honored at this year's ESPYs as the winner of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance for her efforts in support of childhood diseases and those with cancer.