The basketball tournament that bears John Wooden’s name won’t feature UCLA again until 2016.

The Bruins played in the Wooden Classic in 16 of 19 times, including the last 10 straight years. Starting in 2013, that event will combine with the Anaheim Classic to form The Wooden Legacy — an eight-team, three-day, 12-game bracketed tournament.

Since the event is now classified as an exempt tournament, NCAA rules dictate that UCLA can only participate once very four years. Schools from the same conference also cannot compete in the same event together.

“The Wooden Legacy will remain loyal to the initial concept of the event, while also allowing it to grow in stature to include more universities,” said Nan and Jim Wooden, John’s children, in a statement. “UCLA has been a wonderful partner with our family throughout the history of the Wooden Classic and we are grateful that an expanded event carrying our father’s name will continue.” Continue reading “Former Wooden Classic restructured as eight-team tournament” »