Boys and girls basketball state titles to be decided in Rose Hill Gym from 2020-2022

The Fordham University Rose Hill Gym will be seeing continuous use in its future.

After decades of being the host of the Catholic High School Athletic Association, the Rose Hill Gym will begin holding the Federation Basketball Tournament of Champions in 2020.

According to a release by the New York State Federation of Secondary School Athletic Associations (NYSFSSAA), Fordham will serve as hosts of the tournament from 2020 until 2023. Jeff Neubauer, Fordham Men’s Basketball head coach, conveyed his enthusiasm about being the future host.

“This is not only a great day for Fordham it’s a great day for New York City basketball. We are beyond excited to host the New York state basketball championships in the Basketball Capital of the World.”

Also competing for the title as the host gym was the Greater Glens Falls Basketball Amateur Athletic Association and St. John’s University. Fordham senior associate athletic director John Barrett and assistant men’s basketball coach Mike DePaoli are credited for enticing the tournament directors on December 9 with an impressive and convincing presentation.

“After a good discussion following each presentation, the vote taken by the Executive Committee supports a new direction for the Federation Tournament,” said Federation President Donal Buckley. “All three organizations presented solid bids and were ready to host a quality event for us. However, Fordham’s historic gym and location in the city convinced the committee.”

The 2020 championship is planned for its inaugural New York City debut on March 27-29. The tournament includes both boys and girls basketball championships from New York State Public High School Athletic Association (public schools), CHSAA (Catholic schools), AISAA (independent schools) and PSAL (New York City public schools) in Class AA, A and B in a final four style tournament. Barrett expressed his contentment with the decision:

“We are thrilled to have been chosen to host the historic championship. With 70 percent of the teams participating in the tournament coming from a 30-mile radius of Fordham, it will provide for great crowds and a great game-day atmosphere.”

Fordham will continue to host the CHSAA Championships with all three rounds contested in the Rose Hill Gym beginning this year.