2020 John Wall Invitational canceled because of coronavirus
For the first time in its 49-year history, the John Wall Holiday Invitational is canceled, because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Triangle Educational Advancement Foundation announced on Thursday morning.
The Invitational, which was supposed to be held at Broughton High School’s Holliday Gymnasium this December, has become a staple for high school sports in the Triangle, and is one of the top high school basketball tournaments in the country.
“We looked at alternative scenarios, but in the end the safety of everyone involved was the (TEAF board of director’s) paramount concern,” tournament director Bill Sewell said in a written statement.
N.C. High School Athletic Association member schools wouldn’t have been able to participate in the tournament because of the new schedule that was announced earlier this month due to COVID-19. The first games of the basketball season are scheduled for January, and they will only play 14 regular-season games.
While disappointed, title sponsor John Wall, who played in the tournament while at Word of God Christian Academy and was the No. 1 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, agrees with the board’s decision because “the priority at this time is the health and safety of all involved.” He plans to continue to sponsor the event in its 50th season.
“If you know me, then you already know how special this event is to me and my family,” Wall said in a written statement. “It gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent when I was in high school and I look forward to seeing the best young basketball players in the country compete in the 2021 Invitational.”
Since its creation in 1972, over 100 NBA players have competed in this tournament, including former No. 1 overall draft picks Wall, Karl-Anthony Towns and DeAndre Ayton.
The proceeds from the tournament fund 10 scholarships, which are awarded to local high school students annually. The TEAF gives $50,000 in scholarships each year, and over the last 25 years, they have awarded over $1 million.