At the start of college hoops season, the University of Memphis, University of Arkansas, and Vanderbilt University basketball programs tipped off to build excitement and raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

The annual event, now in its second year, drew thousands of fans to FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn., for the exciting double header. But, more importantly, it raised awareness for the hospital that thousands of families rely on. 

“The Tip Off Classic is more than a game. It’s a powerful expression of what can happen when a community unites to hoop for hope,” said Ike Anand, President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Leading up to the games, coaches from each school echoed this sentiment. 

“We have to make sure we’re taking care of each other,” Memphis women’s basketball coach Alex Simmons said, expressing what she tells her players each day. “And so when we have opportunities like this, we feel like we’re taking care of St. Jude, we’re taking care of the city of Memphis, and of course we’re taking care of each other on the court.”

And that impact on players involved in this event rings true across the board.

“I want our players to take away the fact that we have a huge platform,” Vanderbilt women’s basketball coach Shea Ralph said. “As young women, as athletes, as representatives of our university, and as people who want to do great things.”

Despite the games being the spectacle of the night, Memphis men’s basketball coach Penny Hardaway emphasised the purpose of the game – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

“I hope that people watching these games understand that it’s bigger than basketball,” he said. “It’s about St. Jude’s, which is an awesome place that loves on children and gives them an opportunity to live their lives long-term. I hope that they can see that it’s a good product on the floor between us and Arkansas, but that it’s bigger than basketball. Hopefully they’ll be able to see why this hospital is so important not only to us, but also to the world.”

One part of the court stood out – a dedication on the floor to Fred Smith, FedEx founder and longtime supporter of St. Jude’s. The court was titled the Fred Smith Legacy Court to highlight his work for the non-profit. Smith passed away earlier this year, at 81. 

John Calpari, current Arkansas men’s basketball head coach and former Memphis head coach, spoke fondly about his time in Memphis, and also about Fred Smith’s impact. 

“What St. Jude’s is doing to honor Fred Smith, put his name on the court, come on,” he said. “What Fred Smith did as an individual for this town, it’s crazy.”

The court dedication, all of the court graphics, and the court itself were donated by Praters Flooring as a show of support for a cause that helps so many worldwide. 

“To have the opportunity to provide the floor for an event that brings such a large audience to something as important as St. Jude’s is an honor,” John Prater, president of Praters Flooring, said. “We’re thrilled to support an organization that gives so many families hope.”