Kentucky basketball to participate in 2023 GLOBAL JAM in Toronto, Canada

Kentucky men’s basketball is back on the road for another international summer hoops event. Last offseason, the Wildcats journeyed down to the Bahamas, where they played four games against various professional level teams. This time around, UK is headed north and will be playing in the 2023 GLOBAL JAM in Toronto, Canada in the middle of July.

The school announced the trip on Monday morning, writing on the team website:

“Pack your bags, Big Blue Nation, because the Kentucky men’s basketball team is on the road again this summer, this time to Toronto, Ontario, Canada to participate in the 2023 GLOBL JAM taking place July 12-16 at Toronto’s Mattamy Athletic Centre.

“Canada Basketball, in partnership with the National Association of Basketball Coaches, invited the Wildcats to represent the United States in a world-class international basketball showcase featuring Under-23 teams from around the world.”

So, the 2023-24 Wildcats will venture north of the border to take on the world’s best 23-and-under players from other nations. It should be a fun little sprinkle of Kentucky basketball for fans in the middle of the offseason.

More on Kentucky’s summer basketball event

Here was head coach John Calipari’s statement on the event:

“We’re so appreciative of the NABC and Canada Basketball for the invitation to participate in the GLOBL JAM. They have put together a field full of talented and tough teams that will begin to help us prepare for the upcoming season, while also providing us with another special trip for not only our team but for our fans as well. On behalf of everyone at the University of Kentucky and our team, we’re honored to represent the United States and we’re excited to get to Toronto and take part in this terrific event.”

President and CEO of Canada Basketball Michael Bartlett also had a few words to share over what an honor it is for the event to have the Wildcats as part of the field.

“Not only does the University of Kentucky men’s basketball program have a rich history of success at every level, but a prominent contingent of Canadian alumni playing in the NBA and internationally overseas. To be able to add them to our talented field of teams this summer at GLOBL JAM is truly exciting and we’re looking forward to welcoming their players, coaches, staff, and fans to Toronto this July.”

Kind words and excitement from both sides. ‘Cats fans won’t be able to wait until July so they can get an early peak at their new team.