Big Sky Tournament 2024: All You Need to Know

The Big Sky Tournament 2024 is just around the corner, and college basketball fans across the country are gearing up for an electrifying tournament. This year, the tournament will be held in Boise, Idaho, from March 12th to March 15th, and it promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent history.

The Big Sky Conference is a Division I athletic conference that includes 11 member schools from the western United States. The conference is known for its competitive play, and the tournament is always a thrilling event. In 2023, Montana State University won the tournament, defeating Eastern Washington University in the championship game. This year, the field is wide open, and any of the 11 teams could come out on top.

With just a few weeks to go until the tournament begins, let’s take a closer look at the teams, players, and storylines that will make the Big Sky Tournament 2024 one to remember.

Big Sky Tournament 2024

Excitement builds for thrilling tournament.

• Date: March 12-15, 2024
• Location: Boise, Idaho
• Teams: 11 from the Big Sky Conference
• Defending champion: Montana State University
• Wide-open field: Any team can win
• Key players to watch: Cameron Parker (Montana State), Tyler Robertson (Eastern Washington), Alex Gerke (Northern Colorado)
• Tournament MVP contenders: Parker, Robertson, Gerke, Abdul Mohamed (Portland State), Will Cherry (Montana)
• Cinderella team potential: Idaho State University, Southern Utah University, Sacramento State University
• Storylines to follow: Montana State’s repeat bid, Eastern Washington’s revenge, Cinderella’s run

With so much at stake, the Big Sky Tournament 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event. Make sure to tune in and catch all the action!

Date: March 12-15, 2024

The Big Sky Tournament 2024 will take place from March 12th to March 15th, 2024. This four-day event will be held at the Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho, which has a seating capacity of over 12,000 fans. The tournament will feature 11 teams from the Big Sky Conference, competing for the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The tournament will begin with first-round games on March 12th, followed by the semifinals on March 14th and the championship game on March 15th. All games will be televised on ESPN or ESPN2, so fans across the country can catch all the action.

The Big Sky Tournament is always a thrilling event, and this year’s tournament is sure to be no different. With 11 talented teams competing for the championship, there is sure to be plenty of excitement and drama.

So mark your calendars for March 12-15, 2024, and get ready for the Big Sky Tournament! Whether you’re a fan of one of the competing teams or just a lover of college basketball, you won’t want to miss this tournament.

In addition to the on-court action, the Big Sky Tournament also features a number of fan-friendly events, including a pep rally, a 3-point shooting contest, and a slam dunk contest. There will also be plenty of food and drink options available, so fans can enjoy a full day of entertainment.

Location: Boise, Idaho

The Big Sky Tournament 2024 will be held in Boise, Idaho, a city with a rich basketball history. Boise is home to Boise State University, which has a strong men’s basketball program that has made several NCAA Tournament appearances in recent years. The city also has a number of other college basketball programs, including the College of Idaho and Northwest Nazarene University.

The Idaho Central Arena, which will host the tournament, is a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2021. The arena has a seating capacity of over 12,000 fans and is home to the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL. It is also a popular venue for concerts and other events.

Boise is a great city to host the Big Sky Tournament. It has a vibrant downtown area with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. The city is also surrounded by beautiful mountains, which offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

If you’re planning to attend the Big Sky Tournament in Boise, there are a number of things you can do to make the most of your trip. Be sure to book your hotel and flights in advance, as Boise can be a popular destination during the tournament. You should also purchase your tickets early, as they are likely to sell out quickly.

Once you’re in Boise, be sure to check out the city’s many attractions, including the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, the Idaho State Capitol Building, and the Boise River Greenbelt. And of course, don’t forget to cheer on your favorite team at the Big Sky Tournament!

Teams: 11 from the Big Sky Conference

The Big Sky Conference is a Division I athletic conference that includes 11 member schools from the western United States. The conference is known for its competitive play, and the Big Sky Tournament is always a thrilling event.

• Eastern Washington University

  Eastern Washington is one of the most successful programs in the Big Sky Conference, having won the tournament a record 12 times. The Eagles are led by Tyler Robertson, a dynamic guard who was named the Big Sky Player of the Year in 2023.

• Montana State University

  Montana State is the defending Big Sky Tournament champion. The Bobcats are led by Cameron Parker, a versatile forward who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in 2023. Parker is one of the top players in the conference and will be a key player for Montana State this season.

• Northern Colorado University

  Northern Colorado is another strong team in the Big Sky Conference. The Bears are led by Alex Gerke, a talented guard who was named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Gerke is one of the best defenders in the conference and will be a key player for Northern Colorado this season.

• Portland State University

  Portland State is a rising star in the Big Sky Conference. The Vikings are led by Abdul Mohamed, a dynamic guard who was named the Big Sky Newcomer of the Year in 2023. Mohamed is one of the most exciting players in the conference and will be a key player for Portland State this season.

These are just a few of the teams that will be competing in the Big Sky Tournament 2024. With so much talent on display, the tournament is sure to be one of the most exciting in recent history.

Defending champion: Montana State University

Montana State University is the defending champion of the Big Sky Tournament. The Bobcats won the tournament in 2023, defeating Eastern Washington University in the championship game. This was Montana State’s first Big Sky Tournament championship since 2019.

Montana State is led by Cameron Parker, a versatile forward who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in 2023. Parker is one of the top players in the conference and will be a key player for Montana State this season. He is a talented scorer and rebounder who can also create shots for his teammates.

In addition to Parker, Montana State has a number of other talented players, including guard Xavier Bishop and forward Jubrile Belo. Bishop is a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot, while Belo is a strong rebounder and defender.

Montana State will be looking to repeat as Big Sky Tournament champions in 2024. The Bobcats have a strong team and will be one of the favorites to win the tournament.

Montana State’s success in the Big Sky Tournament is a testament to the program’s strong tradition of basketball. The Bobcats have a long history of success in the conference, and they are always a contender for the Big Sky Tournament championship.

Wide-open field: Any team can win

The Big Sky Tournament is always a wide-open field, and this year is no different. Any of the 11 teams in the conference could make a run to the championship game.

The top contenders include Montana State, Eastern Washington, and Northern Colorado. These three teams have all been ranked in the top 100 in the NCAA NET rankings at some point this season. They all have talented players and experienced coaches.

However, there are a number of other teams that could make a run in the tournament. Portland State, Weber State, and Idaho State are all capable of winning multiple games in the tournament. And don’t forget about the Cinderella teams, like Montana, Sacramento State, and Southern Utah. These teams may not be the favorites, but they have the potential to surprise some people.

One of the things that makes the Big Sky Tournament so exciting is that there is always the potential for an upset. In recent years, we have seen several lower-seeded teams make deep runs in the tournament. In 2021, No. 8 seed Northern Arizona reached the championship game. In 2022, No. 7 seed Idaho State reached the semifinals.

This year’s tournament is sure to be just as exciting, if not more so. With so many talented teams in the field, there is no telling who will come out on top.

Key players to watch: Cameron Parker (Montana State), Tyler Robertson (Eastern Washington), Alex Gerke (Northern Colorado)

The Big Sky Tournament is always a showcase for the conference’s best players, and this year’s tournament is no different. There are a number of talented players to watch, but here are three of the most important:

Cameron Parker (Montana State)

Parker is the reigning Big Sky Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and he is one of the best all-around players in the conference. He can score, rebound, and defend at a high level. Parker is averaging 18.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this season.

Tyler Robertson (Eastern Washington)

Robertson is one of the most dynamic guards in the Big Sky Conference. He is a gifted scorer and playmaker, and he can also defend at a high level. Robertson is averaging 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season.

Alex Gerke (Northern Colorado)

Gerke is one of the best defenders in the Big Sky Conference. He is a long and athletic wing who can guard multiple positions. Gerke is also a solid shooter and rebounder. He is averaging 12.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game this season.

These are just three of the many talented players to watch in the Big Sky Tournament. With so much talent on display, the tournament is sure to be one of the most exciting in recent history.

Tournament MVP contenders: Parker, Robertson, Gerke, Abdul Mohamed (Portland State), Will Cherry (Montana)

The Big Sky Tournament MVP award is given to the player who is deemed to be the most outstanding performer in the tournament. There are a number of players who could contend for the award this year, but here are five of the most likely candidates:

Cameron Parker (Montana State)

Parker is the reigning Big Sky Tournament MVP, and he is one of the best all-around players in the conference. He can score, rebound, and defend at a high level. Parker is averaging 18.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this season.

Tyler Robertson (Eastern Washington)

Robertson is one of the most dynamic guards in the Big Sky Conference. He is a gifted scorer and playmaker, and he can also defend at a high level. Robertson is averaging 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season.

Alex Gerke (Northern Colorado)

Gerke is one of the best defenders in the Big Sky Conference. He is a long and athletic wing who can guard multiple positions. Gerke is also a solid shooter and rebounder. He is averaging 12.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game this season.

Abdul Mohamed (Portland State)

Mohamed is one of the most exciting players in the Big Sky Conference. He is a dynamic guard who can score from anywhere on the court. Mohamed is averaging 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season.

Will Cherry (Montana)

Cherry is a veteran guard who is one of the most experienced players in the Big Sky Conference. He is a good scorer and distributor, and he can also defend at a high level. Cherry is averaging 14.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season.

These are just five of the many players who could contend for the Big Sky Tournament MVP award. With so much talent on display, the tournament is sure to be one of the most exciting in recent history.

Cinderella team potential: Idaho State University, Southern Utah University, Sacramento State University

Every year, there is at least one Cinderella team that makes a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. These are teams that are not expected to do well, but they surprise everyone by making it to the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, or even the Final Four. The Big Sky Conference has had its share of Cinderella teams in recent years, and this year there are three teams that have the potential to make a run in the Big Sky Tournament:

Idaho State University

Idaho State is a perennial underdog in the Big Sky Conference, but they have a knack for making noise in the tournament. In 2022, the Bengals reached the semifinals of the Big Sky Tournament as a No. 7 seed. This year, Idaho State is led by guard Brock Mackenzie, who is one of the best shooters in the conference. If the Bengals can get hot from three-point range, they could be a dangerous team in the tournament.

Southern Utah University

Southern Utah is another team that has the potential to make a run in the Big Sky Tournament. The Thunderbirds are led by forward John Knight III, who is one of the most athletic players in the conference. Southern Utah also has a number of other talented players, including guard Tevian Jones and forward Cameron Oluyitan. If the Thunderbirds can play together as a team, they could be a tough matchup for anyone in the tournament.

Sacramento State University

Sacramento State is a team that has been on the rise in recent years. The Hornets have made the Big Sky Tournament in each of the past three seasons, and they reached the semifinals in 2021. This year, Sacramento State is led by guard William FitzPatrick, who is one of the best all-around players in the conference. If the Hornets can get enough scoring from their supporting cast, they could be a contender in the Big Sky Tournament.

These are just three of the teams that could make a run in the Big Sky Tournament this year. With so much parity in the conference, anyone can win.

Storylines to follow: Montana State’s repeat bid, Eastern Washington’s revenge, Cinderella’s run

In addition to the great basketball, there are a number of storylines to follow in the Big Sky Tournament this year:

Montana State’s repeat bid

Montana State is the defending champion of the Big Sky Tournament, and they will be looking to repeat as champions this year. The Bobcats have a strong team led by Cameron Parker, and they are one of the favorites to win the tournament.

Eastern Washington’s revenge

Eastern Washington lost to Montana State in the championship game of the Big Sky Tournament last year. The Eagles will be looking to get revenge this year and win their first Big Sky Tournament championship since 2018. Eastern Washington has a talented team led by Tyler Robertson, and they are one of the top contenders in the tournament.

Cinderella’s run

Every year, there is at least one Cinderella team that makes a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. This year, there are a number of teams in the Big Sky Conference that have the potential to make a run in the tournament. Idaho State, Southern Utah, and Sacramento State are all capable of making a deep run in the tournament if they can get hot at the right time.

These are just a few of the storylines to follow in the Big Sky Tournament this year. With so much at stake, the tournament is sure to be one of the most exciting in recent history.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Big Sky Tournament 2024:

Question 1: When and where is the Big Sky Tournament 2024?
Answer 1: The Big Sky Tournament 2024 will be held from March 12th to March 15th, 2024, at the Idaho Central Arena in Boise, Idaho.

Question 2: Which teams are participating in the Big Sky Tournament 2024?
Answer 2: The Big Sky Tournament 2024 will feature 11 teams from the Big Sky Conference, including Montana State University, Eastern Washington University, Northern Colorado University, Portland State University, Weber State University, Idaho State University, Southern Utah University, Sacramento State University, University of Montana, Northern Arizona University, and Idaho.

Question 3: Who are the favorites to win the Big Sky Tournament 2024?
Answer 3: The favorites to win the Big Sky Tournament 2024 are Montana State University, Eastern Washington University, and Northern Colorado University. These teams have all been ranked in the top 100 in the NCAA NET rankings at some point this season.

Question 4: Are there any Cinderella teams that could make a run in the Big Sky Tournament 2024?
Answer 4: Yes, there are a number of Cinderella teams that could make a run in the Big Sky Tournament 2024. Idaho State University, Southern Utah University, and Sacramento State University are all capable of making a deep run in the tournament if they can get hot at the right time.

Question 5: Who are some of the key players to watch in the Big Sky Tournament 2024?
Answer 5: Some of the key players to watch in the Big Sky Tournament 2024 include Cameron Parker (Montana State), Tyler Robertson (Eastern Washington), Alex Gerke (Northern Colorado), Abdul Mohamed (Portland State), and Will Cherry (Montana).

Question 6: How can I watch the Big Sky Tournament 2024?
Answer 6: The Big Sky Tournament 2024 will be televised on ESPN or ESPN2. You can also watch the tournament online at ESPN.com or the ESPN app.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the Big Sky Tournament 2024. For more information, please visit the Big Sky Conference website.

In addition to the FAQ, here are some tips for enjoying the Big Sky Tournament 2024:

Tips

Here are some tips for enjoying the Big Sky Tournament 2024:

Tip 1: Purchase your tickets early.

Tickets for the Big Sky Tournament 2024 are expected to sell out quickly, so it is important to purchase your tickets early. You can purchase tickets online at the Big Sky Conference website or through Ticketmaster.

Tip 2: Arrive early at the arena.

The Idaho Central Arena is a large venue, and it can take some time to get to your seat. It is a good idea to arrive at the arena early to avoid missing any of the action.

Tip 3: Wear comfortable shoes.

You will be doing a lot of walking at the Big Sky Tournament, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes. You will also be standing for long periods of time, so make sure your shoes provide good support.

Tip 4: Bring a camera.

The Big Sky Tournament is a great opportunity to take some amazing photos. Be sure to bring a camera to capture all the excitement.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

These are just a few tips for enjoying the Big Sky Tournament 2024. By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a great time at the tournament.

The Big Sky Tournament 2024 is sure to be an unforgettable event. With so much at stake, the tournament is sure to be one of the most exciting in recent history. Make sure to get your tickets early and start planning your trip to Boise today!

Conclusion

The Big Sky Tournament 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent history. With 11 talented teams competing for the championship, there is sure to be plenty of drama and excitement.

The tournament will be held in Boise, Idaho, from March 12th to March 15th. The Idaho Central Arena is a state-of-the-art facility that is sure to provide a great atmosphere for the tournament.

There are a number of storylines to follow in the tournament, including Montana State’s repeat bid, Eastern Washington’s revenge, and the potential for a Cinderella run. There are also a number of key players to watch, including Cameron Parker, Tyler Robertson, and Alex Gerke.

If you are a fan of college basketball, then you won’t want to miss the Big Sky Tournament 2024. It is sure to be a tournament that you will remember for years to come.

Closing Message:

Make sure to get your tickets early and start planning your trip to Boise today! You won’t want to miss the Big Sky Tournament 2024.