In 1983, a group of local basketball supporters led by long-time coach Brian Forsythe organized the first ’Hoop Classic’. It had humble beginnings in high school gyms but grew over the next 25 years to become one of the biggest high school tournaments in the country. Like many long-time events, however, the Hoop ran its course and the local basketball community took a one-year break in 2008.

With a renewed focus and fresh volunteer blood, the Hoop was resurrected in 2009 with the foundational support of the Moncton Basketball Association. The tournament moved from the Moncton Coliseum to Crandall University and a new tradition was born. The tournament was fortunate to gain the sponsorship support of Irving Oil in its second year and the support of the corporate community and fans enabled the tournament to return to it’s historical prominence.  Subsequent to Irving Oil, DNA Swag became the presenting sponsor, supporting the tournament from 2019 – 2023.  The 2024 Edition of the Hoop Classic marks the inaugural year for which Crandall University became the presenting sponsor to help keep the event well positioned to remain as one of the premier men’s high school basketball tournaments in Atlantic Canada.

The tournament has added new features such as an annual brunch for players and coaches,  all-star teams and awards, and a series of scholarships presented to players of all six local teams by the family of Melvin ’Bucky’ Brine, after whom the tournament trophy is named.

The vision of the Crandall University Men’s Hoop Classic organizing committee is to present a forum in which local high school players can excel against some of the best outside teams from Atlantic Canada and beyond. Here’s to the continued success of the Crandall University Men’s Hoop Classic!