Two weeks ago, word started to trickle out that Duke basketball — unlikely to play in this year’s Battle 4 Atlantis — was in the planning phases of constructing a multi-team event (MTE), hosted in Durham. The initiative would center around promoting social justice, racial equality and activism.
According to Stadium college basketball insider Jeff Goodman, that event will take place in early December in Durham. Logic presumes that this event will occur shortly after Duke plays Michigan State in the 2020 Champions Classic (Dec. 1).
There will be a four-team field for the MTE; Howard, Elon and Bellarmine will join the Blue Devils. Duke, however, will not play Howard, per Goodman. In the event, the Mike Krzyzewski’s club will take on Elon and Bellarmine.
The Coach K Invitational in Durham in early December, per sources, expected to have following teams: Howard, Elon, Bellarmine.
It’s a two-game MTE, so Duke will play Elon and Bellarmine. Will NOT play Howard.
And no, that’s not the real name of the event. But it should be …
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) September 30, 2020
Previously a national power on the Division II level, Bellarmine is making its transition to Division I in the 2020-21 season.
The addition of Howard to this event means the addition of 5-star freshman center Makur Maker. The 6-foot-11 Maker, a top-20 prospect in the 2020 class, made history in early July when he committed to Howard over Kentucky, Memphis and Oregon.
Read More on Duke Basketball
Down in Orlando, Blue Devils to play Michigan State in 2020 Champions Classic on Dec. 1