Kansas State to host Little Apple Classic, Colorado, Drake, South Dakota State to play tournament

The Kansas State Wildcats basketball program announced on Friday that it is hosting the inaugural Little Apple Classic competition that will include games on Nov. 25 and Nov. 27 and feature Colorado, Drake and South Dakota State. 

The Little Apple Classic replaces the Cayman Islands Classic, which was canceled in late September after the NCAA pushed the start of college basketball seasons back to Nov. 25 because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Colorado and South Dakota State will open the competition, followed by a showdown between the hosts and Drake. Drake and South Dakota State will play on Nov. 27, while Kansas State will face Colorado. 

Kansas State added: "Ticket information as well as tip times and television broadcast information will be released at a later date." 

Wildcats coach Bruce Weber said: 

"We are excited about the opportunity to host these three quality programs for the Little Apple Classic at Bramlage Coliseum to kick off the season. All three teams won 20 or more games, so it should be a really competitive environment and a great opportunity for our team to start at home. We look forward to being tremendous hosts and providing a great experience for these teams and fans."

Colorado sat at 21-11 when the NCAA canceled the remainder of the season in March because of the health crisis. Drake was 20-14, and South Dakota State held a 22-10 record. 

Kansas State went 11-21 for the 2019-20 season.