Sports

Hotel Ballroom Presents Unique Basketball Challenge As South Carolina Player Chides Subpar Quality

#College Basketball
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Meechie Johnson / South Carolina Gamecocks

iStockphoto / © Jeff Blake-Imagn Images


The Greenbrier luxury resort played host to college basketball action this week in West Virginia. The venue provides a unique setting for a major tournament.

One South Carolina basketball player highlighted the difficulties of playing in the setting. His team was forced to compete in a hotel ballroom for the three-day event.

The Gamecocks were one of four schools battling in the Greenbrier Tip-Off this week to close out a busy month for the resort. The hotel also hosted a women’s basketball game between Duke and West Virginia on November 14 which was followed by a four-team event on November 15/16.

South Carolina kicked off the last round of action alongside Butler, Virginia, and Northwestern. The Gamecocks went 0-2 in the event.

South Carolina lost to Northwestern on a buzzer beater.

The Gamecocks battled back from an early deficit to tie the game in the final minutes. The Wildcats then regained the lead with less than one second left on the clock.

Meechie Johnson’s last-second prayer ricocheted off the low ballroom ceiling.

That shot had little chances of going in. Still, it presented a unique scenario provided by the locale. Johnson went on to criticize the set-up further after the loss.

“I think we were all in a tough position playing in that gym,” the senior guard said. “I’m not gonna lie, those are the worst rims I’ve played on in my life.”

It is worth noting that every team played on the same rims. The Gamecocks were the only team that lost twice in the field. Both Northwestern and Virginia finished 1-1 while Butler won the event with back-to-back victories.

Some of Johnson’s response was likely due to saltiness. His team lost two close games. He shot less than 39% from the field.

His criticism does hold some weight, however. It is not often you’re tasked with playing a high-level college basketball game in a hotel meeting room.

What is the Greenbrier Tip-Off?

This was the second annual tournament held at the White Sulphur Springs luxury resort. Located amid the Alleghany Mountains in West Virginia, it’s a hospitality hub equipped with a golf course, outdoor excursions, elevated suites, and tons of history.

The venue is adding basketball to the resume.

Games are set up in the resort’s ballrooms. Seating is a little tight, but there’s not a bad view in the house.

Here’s the scene before South Carolina’s first basketball game against Butler.

Virginia head coach Ryan Odom noted the shift from your typical college basketball arena. He applauded the Greenbrier’s ability to put together a strong product.

“When you’re playing in a ballroom that’s that tight and it’s well done and well-positioned, the Greenbrier’s done a great job of putting this event together,” he said. “They’ve made it where fans can really enjoy it.”

The Greenbrier Tip-Off is different. There are unique challenges that come with playing inside the resort. That doesn’t mean it can’t be a fun three-day break from the norm. Most of the feedback was positive.

We should expect a third edition of the tournament next season.