The University of Memphis has announced an inaugural event that will mix hoops with a heart for philanthropy. They're gearing up to host the "Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic" on October 15 at FedExForum, a bold move to kick off the college basketball preseason with a charitable bent. The event features the men's and women's basketball teams facing off against the University of North Carolina and the reigning NCAA National Champion University of South Carolina, respectively.

The men's team, led by Penny Hardaway, is slated to take on the Tar Heels at 6 p.m., a game that will air on ESPNU. The women's team, under the helm of Alex Simmons, will challenge the Gamecocks at 8:30 p.m., and fans can catch the action on ESPN+. Tickets for this doubleheader are set to go publicly on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with all proceeds directly benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. According to WREG, this unique event is a partnership with Complete Sports Management (CSM) and aims to not only to kick-start the new basketball season but also to meaningfully contribute to fighting childhood cancer.

Ed Scott, Senior Vice President and Director of Athletics at the University of Memphis, conveyed great enthusiasm for the event's cause, asserting, "Supporting such a monumental organization and mission that not only benefits our community, but the entire world is the type of collaboration Tiger Nation is proud to be a part of," in a statement obtained by The Commercial Appeal. This sentiment was further echoed by Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, who lauded the event's potential impact and the combined efforts of the universities involved in rallying support for St. Jude's mission.

The commitment to using sport as a vector for positive societal impact is clear in the implementation of this event. "The Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic is a powerful example of what can be achieved when sports, compassion, and a shared commitment come together," Shadyac told WREG. With a ticket purchase, attendees are not just securing a seat to witness top-tier basketball games but are also contributing to ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Through such events, the institution continues to forerun in the field of pediatric research and treatment for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.