EMERALD COAST CLASSIC: LSU, DePaul, Georgia Tech, and Drake to Battle it Out in Thrilling Tournament
Niceville, FL — College basketball fans, mark your calendars — the 2025 Emerald Coast Classic is shaping up to be one of the most exciting early-season tournaments in the country, featuring a stacked lineup of powerhouse programs and rising contenders. LSU, DePaul, Georgia Tech, and Drake headline the marquee event set to tip off this November at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.
With each team boasting returning talent, high-profile recruits, and plenty of momentum heading into the 2025–26 season, the Emerald Coast Classic promises non-stop action, major upsets, and NCAA Tournament implications.
🔥 Blue Bloods, Breakouts, and Battle-Tested Teams
LSU Tigers
Coming off a resurgent SEC campaign, LSU enters the tournament with renewed confidence under head coach Matt McMahon. The Tigers bring a blend of elite freshman talent and gritty upperclassmen leadership, and they’re hungry to prove they belong in the national conversation.
Key Player to Watch: Malik “Air” Hampton, a 6’6″ swingman with NBA-level athleticism and a smooth jumper, could light up the scoreboard in Niceville.
DePaul Blue Demons
After making waves in the Big East with some key upset wins last season, DePaul arrives with a chip on their shoulder. Head coach Tony Stubblefield has retooled the roster through the portal and is looking to make a statement.
Key Player to Watch: Jalen Worthy, a dynamic combo guard who transferred from Arizona State, brings leadership and explosive scoring to the Blue Demons’ backcourt.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Don’t sleep on the Jackets. Georgia Tech is trending upward behind coach Damon Stoudamire, whose defensive-minded team is coming into its own. Their length, perimeter defense, and pace will make them a tough out.
Key Player to Watch: Roman Wallace, a sophomore point guard with high IQ and floor command, has been drawing comparisons to NBA greats for his poise under pressure.
Drake Bulldogs
The mid-major with a major bite, Drake has become a tournament staple in recent years. They return the core of a team that nearly upset a top seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament. With discipline, toughness, and a nothing-to-lose mentality, they are primed to play spoiler again.
Key Player to Watch: Nolan Van Dyke, a sharpshooting senior forward, is a matchup nightmare who stretches the floor and leads by example.
🏆 A Tournament with High Stakes
Though technically an early-season invitational, the Emerald Coast Classic has grown into a nationally recognized proving ground, especially for teams looking to build tournament resumes before conference play begins. For LSU and Georgia Tech, strong showings could catapult them into the Top 25. For DePaul and Drake, this is a golden opportunity to claim signature wins and turn heads.
“This tournament brings out the best in teams early,” said event organizer Mitch Kerns. “We’ve seen programs ride Emerald Coast momentum all the way into March — and with this year’s lineup, it’s going to be something special.”
📅 Tournament Format & Broadcast
The Emerald Coast Classic will take place over Thanksgiving weekend, with semifinals scheduled for Friday, November 29, and the championship game set for Saturday, November 30. Games will be televised nationally on ESPN networks, bringing millions of viewers into the heart of the Florida Panhandle.
The full tournament bracket, including opening-round matchups and additional participating teams, will be released later this spring.
