What Is 2009 US Virgin Islands Paradise Jam

Overview

The 2009 US Virgin Islands Paradise Jam was an annual NCAA women's college basketball tournament held over Thanksgiving weekend. It featured eight Division I teams competing in two separate divisions: the Island and Reef divisions, each with four teams.

The event was hosted at the University of the Virgin Islands on the island of St. Thomas. The tournament format included round-robin play within each division, followed by crossover championship and consolation games.

• Tournament Dates: The event ran from November 27 to November 29, 2009, aligning with the Thanksgiving holiday weekend to maximize exposure and participation.
• Location: All games were played at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center in St. Thomas, a venue known for hosting the Paradise Jam since its inception.
• Division Format: The tournament was split into two divisions—Island and Reef—with four teams in each, allowing for structured round-robin play before crossover finals.
• Champions:Texas Longhorns won the Island Division title by defeating Kansas State 70–59 in the final, showcasing strong defensive rebounding and transition offense.
• Reef Division Winner:Marquette Golden Eagles claimed the Reef title with a dominant 77–57 win over Nevada, led by a 22-point performance from Angel Robinson.

How It Works

The Paradise Jam uses a multi-team event (MTE) format approved by the NCAA, allowing schools to play extra games while counting toward season records. Teams are divided into brackets and play crossover games based on preliminary results.

• Division Play:Each team played three games—two within their division and one crossover game, ensuring a full schedule over the three-day event.
• Scoring System:Winning teams earned 2 points in the standings, while ties awarded 1 point; point differentials were used as a tiebreaker in division rankings.
• Travel & Logistics:Teams arrived by air to Cyril E. King Airport, with accommodations arranged on-island, often combining competition with cultural exposure for student-athletes.
• Eligibility Rules:Teams could count up to four games toward their NCAA record in approved MTEs like the Paradise Jam, making it strategically valuable for rankings.
• Media Coverage:Games were streamed online via ESPN3 and covered by regional sports networks, increasing visibility for mid-tier programs.
• Charitable Component:A portion of proceeds supported local youth sports programs in the U.S. Virgin Islands, aligning with community outreach goals.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the final standings and results from both divisions of the 2009 Paradise Jam:

The table highlights the dominance of Texas and Marquette, both of which went undefeated. South Dakota State secured third in the Island Division, while Nevada finished as runner-up in the Reef Division despite a strong start.

Why It Matters

The 2009 Paradise Jam provided early-season momentum for several programs and offered valuable experience in high-pressure environments. The event also strengthened the NCAA’s presence in U.S. territories, promoting basketball development in the Caribbean.

• Recruiting Exposure:High-performing players like Marquette’s Angel Robinson gained national attention, boosting visibility for their programs during recruiting periods.
• Scheduling Advantage:Teams earned four official games toward their record, helping improve RPI rankings early in the season.
• International Experience:Student-athletes experienced travel to a U.S. territory, enhancing cultural awareness and team bonding.
• Competitive Balance:Mid-major programs like South Dakota State tested themselves against Power Conference teams, aiding long-term growth.
• Media Growth:ESPN3 coverage marked a shift toward digital streaming, increasing accessibility for fans unable to attend live.
• Community Impact:Local youth attended games and participated in clinics, fostering grassroots interest in basketball on the island.

The 2009 tournament exemplified how college basketball events can blend competition, education, and community engagement in unique settings.