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The idea here is twofold. First, to pay tribute to a beloved Hampden-Sydney College alum. The second, to build a tournament named after him, one that will continue to grow and develop year after year. That’s what the Tigers hope to achieve with the Charlie Cobb Classic, which tips off this Friday. 

First off, a bit about the tournament’s namesake. Charlie Cobb was a Class of ‘69 graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, described by school officials as “a fiercely loyal, generous and 

Kind man who loved his family, his friends and Hampden-Sydney College.” A member of the basketball team during his four years on campus, Cobb could be found attending games until he passed away in 2022. He also helped the school as president of the Alumni Association, chairman of the Class of ‘69’s 50th Reunion Committee and a supporter of both the Roundball Club and the Annual Fund. And so, to honor him, what better way than through a holiday basketball tournament? 

The two night event also features a big moment, as the 2024 National Finalist banner will be unveiled on Saturday afternoon, just before tipoff of the 4 p.m. game. Things get started Friday afternoon with Washington & Lee playing Eastern (PA) University at 5:30 p.m. Then in the nightcap, it’s Hampden-Sydney facing off against John Carroll (OH) University at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, John Carroll takes on Washington & Lee at 2 p.m., then Hampden-Sydney plays Eastern (PA) University at 4 p.m. 

Notes as Charlie Cobb Classic starts

• So far, this has been an Adam Brazil season and the rest of us are just watching it. The team captain is averaging 24 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 54% from the field. It’s worth mentioning that Brazil is currently 20th in Hampden-Sydney history with 1,274 career points in 102 games. He adds 322 career assists, 116 career steals and 210 career three-pointers. For those who are curious, Russell Turner, the current head coach at UC Irvine and Class of ‘92 member, is Hampden-Sydney’s all-time scoring leader with 2,272 points. 
• Shane Fernald started this season as he finished the last one. He’s averaging 13.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists, while shooting 55% (48-87) from the field. He has seven double-figure scoring games so far this year, including a career-high 21 points vs. Roanoke on Dec. 4. 
• Colin Radcliffe and Hamilton Campbell have made a difference as transfers to the program. Colin transferred from Division II Mount Olive (NC) and is averaging 11.6 points in 19.9 minutes off the bench, while shooting 57% (31-54) from the field, including 61% (19-31) on three-pointers, and 82% (14-17) at the line. He scored a career-high 27 points at Swarthmore on Nov. 9. Hamilton transferred from DII Lenoir-Rhyne (NC) and is averaging 7.0 points and 2.9 assists in 15.7 minutes off the bench, while shooting 77% (17-22) at the line.