Vol Hoops won 82-61 against Wofford Nov. 14, 2023, the Tuesday before the Maui Invitational. (Shelby Wilson/UTK Student Journalist)
By: Shelby Wilson
November 13, 2023 (4:30 p.m.) – The University of Tennessee’s Men’s Basketball Team spreads awareness for the wildfires that tore through Maui earlier this year. The Vols played Michigan State in their exhibition game a few weeks ago, and both teams decided to make it a charity game to raise money towards the Maui Strong fund.
The exhibition game was going to be a private event, but was turned into a charity game because of both coaches’ aspirations.
“It’s more of Tennessee stepping up and doing what Tennessians do, and going out and helping people.” Jacob Clevenger said, a student at the university.
The game took place inside the Breslin Center.. It was nearly sold out, with over 14,000 people in attendance and raising about $400,000 towards the Maui Strong fund.
“Giving the fans and just local community in Michigan the opportunity to come and view, I think will be major.” Katherine Newman said, of Lady Vols media.
Tennessee is also a part of the Maui Invitational, which had to be moved to Honolulu due to the wildfires; The tournament will be taking place over the week of Thanksgiving.
“Basketball is something that brings so many people together,” said Josiah Jordan James, a guard for Tennessee. “I think it’ll be great for the city of Honolulu.”
Recently, more wildfires have sprung up in a Honolulu rainforest. There has not been any trouble regarding the tournament, but according to Sam ‘Ohu Gon III, a senior scientist at the Nature Conservancy, this may me a bad sign that change is afoot.
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