By Marty Gordon
The Radford University men’s basketball program will be stepping out of the Continental United States for the second time this year as they play in the 15th annual Cancun Challenge.
Set for Nov. 21-22, 2023 at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, the Men’s Cancun Challenge welcomes eight teams to an all-inclusive resort, where teams play in a converted ballroom that is walking distance from guest rooms. The event features four teams in the Riviera Division (Fresno State, James Madison, New Mexico State and Southern Illinois) and four teams in the Mayan Division (Morgan State, Northern Colorado, Radford and one TBA).
This marks the debut appearance for the Highlanders in this event. Radford and JMU will meet for the 20th time in program history before the fifth-ever matchup with Morgan State. Northern Colorado has never gone head-to-head with the Highlanders.
“We look forward to seeing these dedicated and on-the-rise programs shine in their spotlight moment at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, one that makes it easy for fans to track the progress of their favorite teams while enjoying a satisfying vacation experience,” said Cancun Challenge director Sarah Molina. “The convenience of the court location and the wide mix of activities on and off the property also make this a perfect trip for basketball fans who simply want to spice up their Thanksgiving routine.”
Four US-based games kick off the Cancun Challenge before the teams head to Mexico (dates and times subject to change):
Wednesday, Nov. 15
Morgan State at Fresno State
Thursday, Nov. 16
TBA at Southern Illinois
Friday, Nov. 17
Radford at JMU
Saturday, Nov. 18
Northern Colorado at New Mexico State
Each program then makes its way to the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya (subject to change):
Tuesday, Nov. 21
MAYAN
Morgan State vs. Radford, 12:30 p.m. ET (FloHoops)
TBA vs. Northern Colorado, 3 p.m. ET (FloHoops)
RIVIERA
JMU vs. Southern Illinois, 6 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network)
Fresno State vs. New Mexico State, 8:30 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network)
Wednesday, Nov. 22
MAYAN
Morgan State/Radford loser vs. TBA/Northern Colorado loser, 12:30 p.m. ET (FloHoops)
Morgan State/Radford winner vs. TBA/Northern Colorado winner, 3 p.m. ET (FloHoops)
In other RU basketball news, the women’s basketball program announced Monday morning that Morgan Williams has joined the team as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
“I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the Radford family!” commented Williams. “Coach McGuire has a successful history history here at Radford and has become a household name not only for his achievements but for his character. Coach McGuire has also put together a seasoned staff and I look forward to working with such talent. I can’t wait to get to work with our young women and continue the excellence that has been Radford women’s basketball.”
Williams is returning to the women’s basketball coaching scene in the Commonwealth after a break during the 2022-23 season. Williams had previously spent four seasons as an assistant coach with VCU and seven years overall with the Rams.
During her time at VCU, Williams helped lead VCU to its first Atlantic 10 Regular Season Championship and A-10 Tournament Championship. The Rams also earned the program’s second-ever NCAA Tournament bid in 2020-21. Prior to serving as an assistant coach, Williams served as the executive assistant for VCU Women’s Basketball, assisting in recruiting and day-to-day administrative tasks for the Rams.
“I’m excited to welcome Morgan Williams to our basketball program,” commented head coach Mike McGuire. “Morgan has a lot of playing and coaching experience at a high level in Division I. I know her experience and knowledge makes our program better right away. She will be a huge asset in player development, scouting and recruiting. But, most importantly, being a positive role model for the women in our program.”
Before joining the college coaching ranks, Williams was a four-year letter winner at Georgetown University and was part of three NCAA Tournament appearances as well as a WNIT appearance for the Hoyas. Williams helped Georgetown advance to at least the second round of the NCAA Tournament in all three appearances. Overall, Williams played in 98 career games while at Georgetown.
