PHOENIX – The Washington State men's basketball team will play Santa Clara, Saturday, Dec. 16 as part of the 2023 Jerry Colangelo Classic at Footprint Center in Phoenix, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced Thursday.  WSU was selected to participate alongside Grand Canyon, Portland, and Santa Clara.
 
"We're looking forward to facing Santa Clara this December, as part of the Jerry Colangelo Classic," Head Coach Kyle Smith said. "Santa Clara is an emerging program on the west coast. They are a consistent post-season program coached by Herb Sendek. They have produced NBA talent the last couple of years in Jaylin Williams and Brandin Podziemski. This will be an excellent non-conference opportunity for both programs."
 
The meeting between the Cougs and Broncos will mark the 10th all-time between the programs. WSU holds a 6-3 advantage all-time, most recently defeating Santa Clara in the opening round of the 2022 National Invitation Tournament.
 
"This is the second Naismith Hall of Fame event we are participating in," Smith added, "which goes to show this committee and organization put together competitive, well-run events that we are proud to be a part of. We're looking forward to seeing our Desert Cougs out supporting WSU for this west coast showdown. Go Cougs!"
 
For more information about the tournament, ticketing, and scheduling visit hoophall.com.