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The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic is starting to generate some regulars.
With the 2014 edition of Hawaii’s eight-team holiday basketball tournament set to begin on Monday at the Stan Sheriff Center, the 2015 field was set to be officially announced Sunday by ESPN Events, the tourney owner and operator.
The 2015 Diamond Head Classic field will be unveiled as Auburn (Southeastern), BYU (West Coast), Harvard (Ivy League), New Mexico (Mountain West), Northern Iowa (Missouri Valley), Oklahoma (Big 12), Washington State (Pac-12) and host Hawaii. It will again be played on Dec. 22, 23 and 25.
Two of the visiting teams, Wazzu (2010) and Auburn (2011), are repeat guests. And Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger brought his then-UNLV team to the inaugural DHC in 2009, finishing second to USC.
"We’re always excited when teams contact us and want to come back to the tournament," said David Matlin, the event’s executive director. "I think that’s a testament to our committee and all the people involved in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic."
Four of the teams — BYU, Harvard, New Mexico and Oklahoma — appeared in the 2014 NCAA Tournament.
Oklahoma is currently ranked No. 15.
Harvard is the first Diamond Head participant from the Ivy League.
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