A New Chapter for the Charleston Classic
The 2026 Shriners Children's Charleston Classic is set to return to TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina, bringing together a six‑team field that blends tradition with fresh storylines.
Oklahoma State will make its third appearance in the tournament, hoping to capitalize on a 20‑win season and a roster that features veteran point guard Kanye Clary, who averaged 10.6 points and 4.6 assists last year, alongside a wave of high‑rated transfers and a top‑10 freshman class.
The Cowboys will be joined by Dayton, coached by Anthony Grant, who has guided the Flyers to five straight 20‑win seasons, Minnesota’s senior forward Jaylen Crocker‑Johnson, and Northwestern, fresh off back‑to‑back NCAA Tournament trips, as well as Utah’s second‑year head coach Alex Jensen and Virginia Tech’s standout forward Amani Hansberry, who earned first‑team NABC All‑East honors.
Now in its 18th edition, the event has evolved into a two‑game format introduced in 2025, with Clemson and Utah State emerging from the respective sides in the latest edition. Past champions such as Florida, St. Bonaventure, and Drake have left their mark, setting a competitive benchmark for the upcoming field.
Beyond the brackets, the tournament continues to support the Shriners Children’s mission, using the platform to raise awareness and funds for pediatric care, while fans can expect a weekend of high‑energy basketball in a city that has become a staple of early‑season college hoops.