Paradise Jam Tournament Returns

ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands - Tournament officials are thrilled to announce the field for the return of the women's Paradise Jam Nov. 25-27 to the U.S. Virgin Islands with DePaul representing the BIG EAST Conference.

The talent-laden field also includes Arizona (Pac-12), Northwestern and Rutgers (Big Ten), Pittsburgh (ACC), South Dakota (Summit) along with SEC teams Texas A&M and Vanderbilt.

Arizona was the NCAA tournament runner-up last season, Texas A&M advanced to the Sweet 16 while Northwestern, Rutgers and South Dakota all earned NCAA berths. DePaul has competed in the NCAA tournament 17 of the last 18 years.

The Paradise Jam will take place at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center on St. Thomas with all games streamed live on ESPN3 or ESPN+. The event will be back in the Virgin Islands after it was canceled by COVID-19 in 2020.

"We wanted to make sure we made up for last year's absence by getting the amazing people of the Virgin Islands something to be excited about for the 22nd year of this event," said Paradise Jam Executive Director Nels Hawkinson. "This field of strong women's programs has everything you want in an elite preseason event, and we're excited to see it translate onto the court. But on top of that, we know the players, coaches, and staff will get just as much excitement by exploring and experiencing the island culture."

The field has five Paradise Jam alumni teams and three event newcomers. DePaul took second in the Island Division in 2012, Pitt placed third in the Island Division in 2015, Rutgers won the Reef Division championship in 2015, Texas A&M will be making its third trip after taking third in the 2013 Island Division and second in the 2007 St. John Division and Vanderbilt was second in 2017 in the Reef Division. Arizona, Northwestern, and South Dakota are making their first appearances.

"Having no women's event last year was heartbreaking for us since we feel that we have become renowned for putting together one of the strongest women's fields in the country year after year," said Tournament Director Jennifer Ashby. "Bringing in these eight big women's programs will give the Virgin Islands the same memorable experience they have become so used to, and we know the teams will feel the same about their stay in St. Thomas."

The event gives teams a guaranteed three games, splitting the field into two, four-team tournaments. The champion of each division will be determined by best record with scoring margin as the tiebreaker. The full game schedule will be announced at a later date.

Fan packages will be sold, giving fans the opportunity to come to the islands and cheer their team on. More information on fan travel will come later this year.

For updates on the tournament visit paradisejam.com and check out the Paradise Jam on social media.