NC State to headline 2020 Empire Classic with Villanova, Michigan and Baylor

In a release today it was announced that NC State will co-headline the 2020 Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden, NYC along with Villanova, Michigan and Baylor. This will be NC State’s first return to MSG since playing in the Jimmy V Classic in 2012 (they should have a standing invite to that but hey it’s not like Jimmy V has any connection to NC State or anything). This tournament, planned for November 19-20, will also be for a good cause, benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project.

Having the opportunity to play any of these three teams will be great for NC State’s non-conference strength of schedule, you know considering Baylor is #1 in the country right now. Villanova currently stands at #9, and Michigan just dropped out of the rankings this week but was as high as #4 this season.

The Wolfpack look to have a young team with a highly touted recruiting class for next season. This tournament will be a great early season test.

No word yet on the other mid-major participants to fill out the rest of the early season tournament. Prior to playing the Championship Round at MSG, NC State and the other three teams will each host a pair of regional round games at home.

Full release can be found here.