James Jones Faces Emotional Return to Yale in High-Stakes 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame Classic Showdown

There’s a certain electricity in the air when a team fresh off consecutive NCAA Tournament runs steps onto a bigger stage — and that’s exactly where the Yale men’s basketball squad finds themselves heading into December. The Bulldogs, under the steady hand of the ever-dedicated James Jones, are gearing up to clash with Albany in the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame Classic, set against the storied backdrop of Springfield’s MassMutual Center. What makes this even juicier? Coach Jones’ deep Albany roots add an intriguing layer to this matchup, blending past and present in a way that basketball fans can’t ignore. Meanwhile, UMass and Boston College will throw down in the other half of the doubleheader, promising a night rich in college hoops drama. Though we’re still waiting on the finer details like tip-off times and TV info, one thing’s clear: Yale’s continued growth on the national stage isn’t just a fluke — it’s a testament to Jones’ veteran leadership and the program’s rising stock. LEARN MORE.

Fresh off of a second straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament, the Yale men’s basketball team will take part in the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame Classic, the Hall of Fame announced Thursday.Jones, who has led the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament five times since 2016, played at Albany from 1982-86, and was an assistant there from 1990-95. He’s been the head coach at Yale since 1999.
Yale will face Albany as part of the four-team event on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass.
The other game will feature UMass and Boston College. Details surrounding game times and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

“We’re excited to participate in the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame Classic! We have the opportunity to play a quality opponent in a tremendous basketball venue,” Yale head coach James Jones said in a release.