Paradise Jam Returns to St. Thomas
The 27th edition of the Paradise Jam will take place in the US Virgin Islands' capital of St. Thomas from November 20 to 23, 2026, bringing together eight collegiate programs for a compact but high‑stakes showcase of mid‑major basketball.
UT Martin’s men’s basketball squad has earned a spot in the field, joining a lineup that also features East Carolina, Indiana State, Middle Tennessee, Southern Illinois, Stephen F. Austin, Temple and Utah Valley.
Skyhawks’ Path to the Title
The Skyhawks open their tournament run on November 20 at 4:30 p.m. CT against Southern Illinois, a team that finished the previous season with a 22‑win campaign that matched a school record.
Depending on the outcome of that first game, UT Martin will meet either East Carolina or Utah Valley on either November 21 or 22, giving the team a clear roadmap toward a potential championship.
Coach [Name] and his staff view the event as an opportunity to test the team’s depth against diverse styles of play, with the ultimate goal of becoming the second Ohio Valley Conference program to capture the Paradise Jam crown.
The OVC has a modest but notable history in the tournament; Belmont claimed the title in 2020, while Eastern Kentucky and Austin Peay have also tasted success in earlier editions.
UT Martin’s 22 victories in the 2025‑26 season place them among three teams in the 2026 Paradise Jam field that posted at least 20 wins, alongside Stephen F. Austin (28‑6) and Utah Valley (25‑9).
Beyond the win total, the tournament’s legacy as a premier college basketball event since 2000 adds a layer of prestige, making a victory especially meaningful for the Skyhawks and their supporters.
The University of Tennessee at Martin, a public institution located in Martin, Tennessee, will be represented on the island by its athletic department, while the host venue benefits from the facilities and hospitality services of the University of the Virgin Islands, which maintains a campus in St. Thomas.
Fans traveling to the Virgin Islands will experience a blend of competitive basketball and the archipelago’s unique cultural setting, with local organizers promising a festive atmosphere that underscores the event’s role in promoting regional tourism.