From the win over Long Beach State in 1971 to Andrew Toney’s memorable 46-point performance in the win over Auburn in 1979 to exciting win over Ole Miss in 1991, December tournament basketball has been part of the Cajun basketball experience.
This year the UL men’s basketball program in partnership with Schilling Distributing Company, Inc., is reviving the tournament and paying homage to the coaching legend who roamed the sidelines during the early stages of the Bayou Classic.
The Cajuns will open the home portion of their 2011-12 schedule hosting the Beryl Shipley Classic presented by Budweiser Friday-Sunday, Nov. 18-20 at the Cajundome.
"We are excited about bringing back the past tradition of our storied program," coach Bob Marlin said. "Coach Shipley loved our University and city and it is a great honor to have his name and family associated with the tournament.
"The history of Ragin’ Cajuns basketball has included many great players and coaches in this event."
UL welcomes Cal State Fullerton, Houston Baptist and Nicholls State for the event. It’s the first in-season tournament the Cajuns host in 20 seasons, the last being the Louisiana Classics held at the Cajundome in December 1992.
Last season the Ragin’ Cajuns ended the regular season with an 11-game winning streak — an accomplishment that had not occurred since Shipley’s tenure in 1972.
To this date, Shipley remains the Cajuns’ all-time winningest coach with a 293-126 mark from 1957-73.
"We at Schilling are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Beryl Shipley Classic thru our iconic brand, Budweiser," Schilling Distributing owner Herbert Schilling said.
"Honoring coach Shipley and restoring the tradition of the Ragin’ Cajuns hosting a tournament indicates that UL basketball will build upon its great tradition and once again achieve success. I am excited about UL basketball and its future under coach Marlin."
The entire 2011-12 Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball schedule will be unveiled on Wednesday.
Beryl Shipley Classic
Friday, Nov. 18
5 p.m. "” CS-Fullerton vs. Nicholls State
7:30 p.m."” Houston Baptist vs. Louisiana
Saturday, Nov. 19
5 p.m. "” Nicholls State vs. Houston Baptist
7:30 p.m. "” CS-Fullerton vs. UL
Sunday, Nov. 20
1 p.m. "” Houston Baptist vs. CS-Fullerton
3:30 p.m. "” Nicholls State vs. UL
Athletic Network Footnote: Click here for the Tribute to Coach Beryl Shipley